Commuters are facing major travel disruptions this week as the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 highway remains closed following a serious vehicle fire on Friday night.
The tunnel, which connects Worcester and Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s most important road links, carrying thousands of cars, trucks, and buses every day.
The Western Cape Department of Mobility confirmed on Monday that the tunnel will stay closed until engineers complete safety inspections and repair work.
According to officials, the accident occurred late on Friday night (around 23:30 SAST) when a bus caught fire inside the tunnel, filling the passage with thick smoke and forcing an emergency evacuation.
All passengers managed to escape safely, though one tunnel operator suffered minor smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital for treatment. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) said that while the burnt-out vehicle has been removed, engineers still need to check for possible structural damage.
“Specialist teams are inspecting the road surface, the tunnel walls, and the ceiling for heat damage,” said SANRAL project manager Mike Vinello-Lippert
“We’re also testing fire sensors, lights, and communication systems to make sure the tunnel is completely safe before reopening.”
He praised the quick response of emergency crews:
“SANRAL would like to extend its gratitude to tunnel operators and emergency services whose swift action prevented any serious injuries or fatalities.”
With the Huguenot Tunnel closed, motorists have been urged to plan ahead and use detour routes. Acting Director of Traffic Law Enforcement Antoinette Fennie said that drivers should avoid unnecessary travel and expect longer travel times.
For those travelling from Worcester to Cape Town, the recommended route is through Wolseley, Wellington, and Paarlbefore reconnecting to the N1. The reverse applies for those heading from Cape Town to Worcester.
Other available detours include:
- N2 route via Villiersdorp and Grabouw to reach Cape Town or Worcester.
- R101 (Du Toitskloof Pass), which has reopened but is operating with “stop-and-go” traffic controls.
- Bainskloof Pass, open only to light motor vehicles.
Officials also warned truck drivers that restrictions are in place on certain mountain passes — the Franschhoek Pass, for example, now has a 15-metre vehicle length limit instead of a 5-ton weight restriction.
The ongoing closure is expected to cause heavy traffic throughout the week, especially during peak hours. Travellers have been advised to allow extra time and to check traffic updates before setting out.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” said Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson Muneera Allie.
“We urge all motorists to be patient and follow the diversion signs. Engineers are working around the clock to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.”
The Huguenot Tunnel has been a key link between Cape Town and the interior since it opened in 1988. At almost four kilometres long, it is the longest road tunnel in South Africa and forms part of the N1 national route connecting the Western Cape to the rest of the country.
Although no reopening date has been announced, SANRAL said it would issue updates once the inspections are complete and the tunnel is safe for use again.