Assessments conclude that Huguenot Tunnel structure remains reliable - SANRAL

The engineering assessments conducted overthe  the weekend following the bus fire inside the N1 Huguenot Tunnel indicated that the tunnel’s structure remains reliable, said the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

“However, several critical repairs are required before the tunnel may be safely reopened to traffic,” said Lwando Mahlasela, SANRAL’s spokesperson in a statement.

The tunnel was closed to traffic due to structural damage following a bus fire that occurred inside the tunnel on Friday night, at around 11:30pm.

No injuries were reported except for one response tunnel official suffering from minor smoke inhalation. The official was treated on scene and has been taken to hospital for further medical attention.

Mr Mahlasela stated that the independent structural inspections and follow-up technical assessments were completed late Sunday, October 5. 

“The inspections further revealed that while the tunnel ceiling and roadway remain structurally sound, certain wall panels, cabling systems, and lighting infrastructure have been damaged beyond repair by the fire and heat exposure and will require replacement,” he said.

He said key remedial actions currently underway include removal of all loose material on the road surface, walls, and ceiling, replacing many wall panel fittings, and also repairing and testing sections of the fire detection, lighting systems, and other operational infrastructure.

SANRAL’s project manager Mike Vinello-Lippert previously stated on Saturday that the bus wreckage had since been removed.

For real-time Huguenot Tunnel information, you can call the Tunnel Control at 021 877 5400.

Motorists are urged to use alternate routes with caution, allowing additional travel time due to anticipated congestion. Alternative routes include:

* From Worcester to Cape Town via Wolseley-Wellington-Paarl to N1

* From Cape Town to Worcester via Paarl – Wolseley-Worcester

* The N2 can be accessed via Worcester and Villiersdorp

* Bainskloof Pass is open to light motor vehicles only

* R101 Du Toitkloof Pass is open with at least two stop/ go in place (expect delays)

* Heavy Motor Vehicles to avoid R46 (Touwsriver-Ceres-Gouda-Cape Town) due to 15 m length limit on Franschoek Pass