Heavy snowfall is disrupting road travel across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape on Monday, with several important routes closed or hazardous and authorities urging motorists to delay non-essential journeys.

The developing situation is particularly serious for truckers, with snow and ice affecting mountain passes and reports of heavy vehicles becoming stranded on some routes.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has activated the province’s Snowfall Response Plan and confirmed the closure of the R617 in the Kokstad, Kingscote and Underberg areas.

Traffic on the R617 is being redirected onto the R56, while RTI has reported that a truck is currently stuck on the R617 at Kingscote.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is urging motorists to delay their trips and members of the public to remain indoors where possible.

The province has previously experienced major snow-related disruptions along the N2/R56 corridor between Port Shepstone and Kokstad, with the KZN Department of Transport deploying graders and RTI teams to clear accumulated snow.

N3 also affected by snowfall

The N3 Toll Route is also experiencing winter conditions.

At 09:00 on Monday, 10 August, the N3 Toll Concession reported light snowfall between Balgowan and Nottingham Road in KwaZulu-Natal.

The route remains affected by wet road surfaces and compromised visibility, with motorists urged to drive with care.

For truckers travelling between Durban and Johannesburg, this section is particularly important because conditions can change quickly around the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Eastern Cape mountain passes remain a major concern

Further south, several of the Eastern Cape’s high-altitude routes are being affected by snow and ice.

The N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg over Lootsberg Pass is closed because of snow.

Watch: Two Trucks From Same Company Collide On Snow-Covered N10

The R61 towards Nxuba (Adelaide), via Wapadsberg Pass, has also been affected by snow-related closures.

The R58 remains a major concern, particularly around the Lady Grey, Barkly East and Elliot corridor, with Barkly Pass closed because of heavy snow.

The N6 over Penhoek Pass between Komani and Jamestown has also been temporarily closed in the latest 10 August advisory.

Drivers should therefore not assume that a pass being open earlier in the day means it is safe later. Snow and ice can rapidly change conditions, particularly after sunset and during the early morning.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport lists its customer care centre as 0800 644 644, with its main offices contactable on 043 604 7400.

Truckers face increased risk on icy mountain roads

For heavy vehicles, snow and ice create a particularly dangerous combination.

A loaded truck or horse-and-trailer has significantly more momentum than a passenger vehicle, while braking and steering can become unpredictable when tyre grip is reduced.

Drivers should never bypass a closure barrier or attempt to force their way through a closed mountain pass.

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has previously issued a similar warning during snow events, stressing that snow and ice are extremely slippery and that closure signs must be obeyed because roads are closed for safety reasons.

The same principle applies to truckers operating in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Alternative route for trucks avoiding the N9 and R61

For freight travelling towards Middelburg or Nxuba while the N9 and R61 remain closed, one possible alternative is:

R75 → R63 → Pearston → Somerset East → Cookhouse → N10

The detour is longer, but it keeps traffic away from some of the higher-altitude passes currently presenting the greatest snow and ice risk.

Operators should nevertheless confirm the latest conditions before committing a truck to any alternative route.

R56 remains an important diversion

The R56 between Kokstad and Matatiele is being used as a diversion for traffic affected by the R617 closure.

However, truckers should not confuse a diversion with a completely safe route.

The R56 has also been described as treacherous in sections, with non-essential travel discouraged in affected areas.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport says work on the R56 between Cedarville and Matatiele is currently underway, highlighting the importance of the corridor as a regional connection.

Other road closures motorists need to know about

The snow is not the only weather-related disruption affecting the Eastern Cape.

The R102 between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay has been closed following rockfalls, while the R332 through the Baviaanskloof has been affected by flooding.

That means freight operators planning routes through the province need to consider both snow-related mountain closures and flooding/rockfall disruptions.

Authorities are working to clear snow

KwaZulu-Natal’s Snowfall Response Plan includes the deployment of graders to remove snow before it becomes too deep.

The provincial authorities say the plan is aimed at preventing motorists and snow chasers from becoming trapped.

The department has also warned that freezing conditions can cause water to enter existing cracks in road surfaces, where it freezes and can contribute to further pavement damage.

What truckers should do today

For drivers already on the road, the safest approach is to treat snow and ice as a serious hazard rather than simply a weather inconvenience.

Slow down, increase following distance, avoid harsh braking and steering inputs and keep a close eye on changing road conditions.

Truckers should also make sure they have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food, water and a charged phone before entering areas where snowfall is occurring.

Most importantly, do not drive through a road closure.

Major routes affected at a glance

KwaZulu-Natal

R617 – Kokstad/Kingscote/Underberg: Closed; traffic redirected to R56.
R56 – Kokstad/Matatiele: Being used as a diversion but conditions remain hazardous in places.
N3 – Balgowan/Nottingham Road: Light snowfall, wet roads and reduced visibility reported.
Underberg and surrounding highlands: Snow and icy conditions affecting local travel.

Eastern Cape

N9 – Graaff-Reinet/Middelburg: Lootsberg Pass closed because of snow.
R61 – towards Nxuba: Wapadsberg Pass affected by snow closure.
R58 – Lady Grey/Barkly East/Elliot: Snow-related closures, including Barkly Pass.
N6 – Komani/Jamestown: Penhoek Pass temporarily closed.
R56 – Matatiele/Mount Fletcher: Treacherous conditions reported.
R102 – Gqeberha/Jeffreys Bay: Closed because of rockfalls.
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