The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has confirmed that the key route between Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) and Addo will be open to two-way traffic from 12 December 2025 to 06 January 2026, offering welcome relief to holidaymakers travelling through the Sundays River Valley during the peak festive season.
The temporary reopening will support increased traffic volumes to and from Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding Eastern Cape tourism destinations. However, SANRAL has cautioned that the road remains an active construction zone, and motorists should travel with care.
Areas requiring extra caution
Road users are advised to take special care at the following points
- Sunday’s River Bridge and Bezuidenhout’s River Bridge
- Traffic has been shifted to the right-hand side of the bridges, with vehicles travelling on a combination of old and newly constructed road surfaces.
- A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h applies over both bridges.
- No centreline markings
- This section of road currently has no permanent centreline. SANRAL has indicated that pre-marking will be applied, along with the installation of temporary road studs to improve visibility and guidance.
Speed limits and traffic rules
- As the route remains under construction:
- A maximum speed limit of 60 km/h applies throughout the affected section
- No overtaking is permitted
- Motorists must adhere strictly to temporary signage and traffic controls
SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head Mbulelo Peterson urged motorists to plan their journeys carefully, consider alternative routes where possible, and remain cautious while using the road.
This update is particularly relevant for travellers heading to Addo Elephant National Park, self-drive tourists exploring the Eastern Cape, and locals commuting between Nqweba and surrounding areas during the busy holiday period.
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