GEORGE NEWS - After years of flood damage, road closures and frustration among motorists, repairs to the historic Seven Passes Road between George and Wilderness are progressing well. The project is expected to be completed in March 2027.
The road has been affected by repeated flooding and closures since November 2021.
The repairs form part of a R73.6m project by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. The project covers approximately 10km of the Seven Passes Road, as well as several district roads west of George and near Wittedrif outside Plettenberg Bay.
Extensive repairs under way
According to the department, five failed culverts along the Seven Passes Road are being replaced with concrete pipes.
Three road slips are being repaired using piling and reinforced concrete decks, seven reinforced earth and gabion retaining walls are being constructed and another slip is being repaired using reinforced earth and a dry-stack stone wall.
Existing drainage pipes are also being replaced with larger-diameter concrete pipes to improve water flow and reduce the risk of future damage.
Sections of the surfaced road that have subsided are being repaired, with the underlying road layers being restored before resurfacing takes place.
Completion expected in March 2027
The prolonged closure of the Seven Passes Road has frustrated motorists, particularly during upgrades to the N2 through Kaaimans Pass.
The road remains closed to traffic and motorists are again cautioned against bypassing road closure barriers, as traffic on the damaged road could delay repair work.
The department anticipates completing the project in March 2027, although further weather-related delays remain possible, particularly at several river crossings. It was not indicated whether any sections of the Seven Passes Road will reopen to traffic before the entire project is completed.
Work also extends to surrounding district roads
Damaged causeways are being replaced on district roads in agricultural areas west of George and north of Brak River.
At Wittedrif, between Plettenberg Bay and Keurboomstrand, a damaged causeway is being replaced. Approximately 150m of the road will be raised by about one metre to connect with the new causeway.
Reinforced earth and gabion retaining walls are being constructed. Photo: Supplied
Local employment opportunities
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers highlighted the economic benefits of the project for surrounding communities.
“In addition to the benefits for residents and visitors of our infrastructure projects, these projects also benefit local labourers, targeted enterprises, local enterprises and emerging contractors,” he said.
So far, 92 work opportunities have been created against a target of 135, while 10 458 person-days of local labour have been recorded against a target of 11 500.
The department has spent R10.3m on targeted enterprises, with a total expenditure target of R18.9m.
Goods and services have also been procured from four local enterprises against a target of six, while four emerging contractors are participating, exceeding the original target of three.
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