The Reawakening of Clarence Drive: A Testament to Resilience and Beauty

Clarence Drive, a stunning route in Western Cape, will reopen for traffic on December 11, 2023, after being closed due to severe damage from heavy rain in September. The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure asks potential travelers for patience until late afternoon to ensure safety. While the Department aims to have the road open for one-way traffic in mid-December, potential delays are possible due to unforeseen circumstances. The reopening of Clarence Drive is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the area.

Clarence Drive, one of Western Cape’s most scenic routes, is set to reopen for traffic from December 11, 2023, after being closed due to serious damage from intense rainfall in September. The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has sought patience from potential travelers until late afternoon to ensure the safety and ease of users. While the Department was determined to have the road open for one-way traffic by mid-December, possible delays due to unforeseen circumstances cannot be ruled out.

Section 1: The Anticipated Reopening

Clarence Drive (R44), one of Western Cape’s most magnificent scenic routes, is poised to resound with the familiar hum of vehicles journeying along its curves. This beautiful route is set to be open for traffic from the 11th of December, 2023, unveiling its splendors to the public precisely at 4pm, ready to welcome the evening rush.

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, the devoted caretaker of this iconic route, has sought patience from potential travelers until late afternoon. This temporary restraint will allow the hardworking teams to completely exit the site before reopening, thus ensuring the safety and ease of the users.

A testimony to the Department’s dedication was the announcement of the reopening, which was shared a week earlier than the initially projected date. The tireless work of the repair teams has remarkably enhanced the condition of Clarence Drive, making it suitable for one-way traffic, a considerable leap towards complete restoration.

Section 2: The Journey of Restoration

The beautiful stretch of road connecting Gordon’s Bay to coastal towns like Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay, and Pringle Bay, also known as Clarence Drive, had to be temporarily removed from the road network owing to serious damage from intense rainfall in September. The road leading to Kleinmond, a 21-kilometer stretch, was severely impacted by multiple landslides and rock falls, leaving no alternative but to close this much-loved route.

The Department’s chief concern was to restore two-way traffic, but the safety of the workers and road users was essential. The phased clearing of areas only commenced once stability was guaranteed, initially permitting one-lane traffic.

Tertius Simmers, the provincial Minister of Infrastructure, expressed his hopeful outlook by saying, “The reopening of this key tourist route marks a significant milestone, fostering renewed connections and opportunities for growth and prosperity for the region.”

While the Department was determined to have the road open for one-way traffic by mid-December, they were also cognizant of possible delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Section 3: The Road Ahead

The reopening has indeed brought about a wave of relief, yet the Department has alerted habitual road users regarding potential prolonged road closures based on construction needs. These brief closures may occur without warning, but according to the Western Cape Government, the peak holiday season is unlikely to be affected.

Simmers highlighted the seven stop-and-go points between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond, which include six on Clarence Drive and one at Palmiet Bridge. To guarantee seamless travel, road users are encouraged to factor in these additional travel times for their journeys.

Despite the potential for additional travel time, Simmers assured, “Our teams are diligently working to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety on these critical routes.”

The current expense for the restoration work, which includes substantial damage to the Palmiet Bridge, is approximately R80 million. This amount reflects the magnitude of commitment and resources deployed to restore this crucial route.

Section 4: More Than Just A Route

The reopening of Clarence Drive is not just about reinstating traffic; it symbolizes the revitalization of a tourist spot that has captivated countless visitors. This breathtaking route, with its sweeping cliff-side views of the sea and lush fynbos, is a tribute to the tenacity of humanity amidst challenges.

As this enchanting route readies itself for the orchestra of moving vehicles, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of those who worked relentlessly to revive this jewel. Let’s show our respect for their dedication by adhering to road rules and treating this eye-catching pathway with the reverence it deserves.

1. When will Clarence Drive reopen to traffic?

Clarence Drive is set to reopen for traffic on December 11, 2023, at 4pm.

2. Why was Clarence Drive closed?

Clarence Drive was closed due to severe damage from heavy rain in September, which caused landslides and rockfalls.

3. Will the road be fully restored when it reopens?

The road will only be suitable for one-way traffic when it reopens, as the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure is focused on ensuring the safety of the workers and road users.

4. Will there be any delays in reopening?

Possible delays due to unforeseen circumstances cannot be ruled out, but the Department is determined to have the road open for one-way traffic by mid-December.

5. Will there be any future closures?

The Department has alerted habitual road users regarding potential prolonged road closures based on construction needs, but the peak holiday season is unlikely to be affected.

6. What is the cost of the restoration work?

The current expense for the restoration work, which includes substantial damage to the Palmiet Bridge, is approximately R80 million.