Mbombela – Authorities have announced the closure of the R531-2 following a collapse near the Wits Rural Facility.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety on Monday, 20 April 2026, warned that “the road is unsafe and impassable. Law enforcement and technical teams are on site”.
The department further stated: “Motorists and all road users are advised that the R531-2, known as Orpen Road, is fully closed to traffic following a collapse near the Wits Rural Facility”.
Alternative routes
Motorists are urged to use the following alternative routes until further notice:
Traffic from Mpumalanga: Use the R40 towards Hoedspruit to bypass the affected section.
Traffic from Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Re-route via Phalaborwa to rejoin your intended route.
“Please plan for additional travel time and possible congestion on these alternative routes,” the department advised.
Meanwhile, South African National Parks (SANParks) has warned visitors to and from Kruger National Park that Orpen Gate is currently inaccessible.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said a bridge along the R531-2 was “washed away last night”.
He added: “Guests are advised to use alternative gates such as Paul Kruger and Phalaborwa to access or exit the Park until further notice.”
