Flood repair progress on grand old Montagu Pass 'satisfactory'

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS - Flood damage repair work on the historic Montagu Pass is well under way, according to the latest progress report submitted to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) from consulting engineers Zutari.

The report states the progress is satisfactory despite some delays in heritage-related work. The anticipated completion date is still January 2027.

The R52.8m project, which was started in January, aims to repair the repeated flood damage over the years that has made the route impassable. According to the report, the heritage-related work has not yet started as planned, but an additional subcontractor has been identified to assist with heritage restoration. The stone-pitched drainage structures, which are an important element of the restoration, have not yet been started on. The contractor still has to do the required test panel for grouted stone-pitching.

The trees that had fallen during the recent storms are being cleared away to restore access along sections of the pass. The clearing of vegetation along certain sections has been completed, and the clearing of culverts and side drains, as well as back-filling of flood-scoured sections of the road, are continuing.

Over the next few weeks, the contractor is expected to continue removing the trees on the roadside, do further emergency scour repairs and complete drainage and back-filling work to improve access to the site.

During a gathering in May, the Montagu Pass Conservation Committee discussed the importance of preserving the pass' historic character while applying modern engineering solutions to ensure long-term durability. It was mentioned that the project prioritises sustainable repair methods and that full historical replication is not always practical, but that the pass will not lose its original character, which remains precious to Georgians.

Members of the Montagu Pass Conservation Committee, with Louis Joubert (second from left) of the main contractor, Zutari, and Willie-John van Niekerk (fifth from left), the chairperson of the George Heritage Society. Photo: Alida de Beer

The focus of the work is improved water management, and extensive work is being done on clearing the vegetation, restoring and upgrading the drains and culverts and ensuring that stormwater is diverted away from the road surface to prevent erosion and washaways.

Damaged sections are being rebuilt using stabilised layers that are reinforced with cement and designed to withstand future severe weather. This is followed by a maintainable surface layer.

WATCH: Progress of the Montagu Pass repairs

Scan the QR code for a video in which Jeff Ayliffe shows the huge extent of the work that has already been done. He also chats to Graham Jacobs, heritage consultant on the project.