Travel Alert: Flooding causes temporary closure of National Roads in Limpopo! [update]

last updated 16 January 2026:

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has released an update regarding the status of national roads in Limpopo  following continued heavy rainfall and flooding experienced across the province.

National Roads currently closed to traffic:

• National Road R527 in the Hoedspruit area within the Maruleng Local Municipality. (Alternative road is the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• The R40 next to Maseke Game reserve is closed.
• 25km before Phalaborwa, R71 is closed.
• R578 section 2 Road washed away and closed
• R71-3 (Namakgale to Phalaborwa) near the Lulekani turn-off – flooded bridge
• R40-7 (Mica to Phalaborwa) near Grietjie – flooding across the road
• R36-5 (The Oaks to Ofcolaco) near Ofcolaco – pooling water over the road
• R527 – Zandspruit bridge is flooded
• R578 (Selwana road) near Makhuva – pooling of water over the road
• R578 at about km5.4 section 2, bridge washed away and road is closed.
• R578 at about km 20 section 2 is closed
• Greater Letaba bridge from R529 to Eiland road. Water level close to flooding the bridge

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall

• National Road R81 in the Giyani town
• R33 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R526 section 2, km 12.4 from Gravellotte heading towards Hoedspruit

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued an advisory on 14 January 2026, announcing the temporary closure of several national roads in Limpopo following severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall across the province.

Ongoing adverse weather conditions have resulted in rapidly rising water levels, compromising road surfaces and creating dangerous driving conditions in multiple areas. In the interest of public safety, SANRAL has implemented precautionary closures on affected routes until further notice.

National Roads currently closed to traffic
Motorists and travellers are advised that the following routes are closed to all traffic:

• R527 (Hoedspruit area)
• Located within the Maruleng Local Municipality, this route has been heavily impacted by flooding.
• Alternative route: Use the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• R578 (South of Phalaborwa towards Giyani)
• Flood-related damage has rendered this road unsafe.
• Alternative route: Travel via the R71 towards Tzaneen, then continue on the R36 and R81 to Giyani.

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall
The following roads remain open; however, motorists should proceed with extreme caution due to ongoing heavy rains and potential deterioration:

• R81 in and around Giyani
• R36 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R555 between Stofberg and Rosenekal

Travellers, especially those heading to Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, or Limpopo's bush and safari regions, are urged to monitor conditions closely and plan routes carefully.

SANRAL safety advisory
SANRAL Limpopo Provincial Head, Madoda Mthembu, emphasized the importance of road user safety:

“We strongly advise road users to avoid the affected roads and make use of alternative routes where possible. Further communication will be issued once detailed assessments have been completed and the affected national roads are safe to be re-opened to traffic.”

What travellers should do

• Avoid closed routes and strictly follow SANRAL signage and instructions
• Allow additional travel time when using alternative routes
• Stay updated through official SANRAL and provincial traffic channels
• Exercise heightened caution, especially during early mornings and evenings when visibility may be reduced

Further updates will be communicated as conditions improve and once safety assessments have been concluded.

 

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