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Mpumalanga’s National Roads Face Disruptions After Heavy Flooding: Critical Travel Updates Mpumalanga’s National Roads Face Disruptions After Heavy Flooding: Critical Travel Updates

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued an important update on the condition of national roads in Mpumalanga following recent heavy rainfall and flooding. With several key routes affected, the agency urges all road users, including those servicing the tourism sector, to exercise heightened caution as recovery efforts and detailed assessments continue.

Mabuyi Mhlanga, SANRAL’s Mpumalanga Provincial Head, confirmed that the agency is actively monitoring flood-impacted routes and carrying out on-site inspections where safe to do so. “These assessments form part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all travellers. In cases where conditions remain hazardous, inspections will resume once floodwaters have fully receded. Our Routine Road Maintenance teams are on standby to respond promptly to any emerging issues,” said Mhlanga.

The advisory comes at a critical time for Mpumalanga’s tourism industry, as many travellers frequent the province’s renowned destinations such as Kruger National Park, Hazyview, and White River. SANRAL’s warning highlights the need for careful route planning and additional travel time allowances to navigate affected areas safely.

Several national roads have sustained varying degrees of damage, with traffic flow adjustments already in place:

Nkomazi Local Municipality

  • R582 (Coopersdal Road between the N4 and R571 intersection): The Komati River Bridge was overtopped, causing road damage. One-way traffic is currently enforced.

Thaba Chweu Local Municipality

  • R37 (from Sabie/Nelspruit intersection to Mbombela border): Severe damage reported between Km 24 and Km 28, including three slip failures. Two-way traffic remains operational.
  • R36 (between Lydenburg and Bambi): Significant pavement deterioration has been observed.

Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Local Municipalities

  • R40 at the Bulembu Border: Drainage and structural failures detected with one-way traffic management in effect.
  • R40 (between White River and Hazyview): Slip failures and culvert collapses at Km 19.4 and Km 27 with contractors actively on site.
  • R40 (Bushbuckridge to Dwarsloop and Acornhoek to Dullstroom sections): Stop-and-go traffic control measures implemented 24 hours a day at Km 30.4 and Km 50.4; two-way traffic maintained at Km 45 despite slip failure and culvert damage.

SANRAL cautions motorists against driving through flooded sections where road damage may be hidden beneath water, urging reduced speeds and safe following distances at all times. The agency continues to provide regular updates as repair work progresses and more detailed inspections are completed.

For African tourism operators and travel professionals coordinating itineraries in Mpumalanga, this situation underscores the importance of staying connected with official SANRAL communications and advising clients accordingly. Adjusting travel plans to avoid non-essential journeys through flood-affected zones will enhance safety and reduce potential disruptions during this recovery period.

With Mpumalanga’s infrastructure repair efforts underway, the resilience of the province’s vital road network remains crucial to supporting its tourism economy. As the region works to restore full accessibility, collaboration between transport authorities, tourism stakeholders, and local communities will be key to safeguarding a smooth travel experience for visitors from across Africa and beyond.