The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has notified motorists of two blasting operations on the R61 between Baziya and All Saints that will require temporary road closures during the afternoons of 24 August and 7 September 2026.
When and where the closures will happen
SANRAL said the work will take place on Section 6 of the R61 at a borrow pit approximately 100 metres off the road on the left-hand side, between km 73.5 and km 76. Blasting is scheduled to begin at 13:00 and conclude by 15:00 on both dates, with each temporary closure expected to last about one hour to allow for blasting and subsequent clean-up.
“To ensure the safety of road users and allow adequate time for blasting and clean-up operations, the road will be temporarily closed for approximately one hour,”
SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head Mbulelo Peterson apologised for the inconvenience and urged motorists to exercise caution and plan trips accordingly.
- Location: R61 Section 6, between km 73.5 and km 76 (around Borrow Pit 1).
- Dates: 24 August 2026 and 7 September 2026.
- Time: 13:00–15:00 (each day); closure expected for ~1 hour.
- Alternatives: No suitable short detour; the N2 is available but will add significant travel time.
What road users need to know
The R61 is an important regional route linking several Eastern Cape communities and carrying a mix of commuter traffic, freight and long-distance travellers. SANRAL has warned that there are no suitable short alternative routes within this specific section; motorists who choose to divert via the N2 should budget for substantially longer journey times than the anticipated one-hour wait.
Commuters, commercial drivers and passenger services that operate on the route should review schedules and allow extra time for travel on the affected dates. Local residents should also anticipate temporary restrictions on access near the blasting site during the closure windows.
Practical tips for motorists
- Check trip plans and avoid the R61 section during the 13:00–15:00 windows if possible.
- If you must travel on the R61, allow at least an extra hour for possible delays and follow traffic officers' instructions at closure points.
- Freight operators should liaise with clients about adjusted delivery times; some loads may be scheduled to pass before or after the planned blasts.
- Tour operators and intercity bus companies should re-route or reschedule where feasible to avoid passenger inconvenience.
Local impact and context
While the closures are short, the R61 carries a mix of local and through traffic; even an hour-long stop can ripple through schedules for buses, taxis and haulage. For drivers who divert via the N2, differences in distance and speed limits can increase fuel costs and travel time. SANRAL's advisory is a reminder that maintenance and infrastructure works, including controlled blasting, are sometimes necessary to maintain road safety and construction progress but carry short-term disruption.
SANRAL has reiterated that the alternative routes will result in significantly longer travel times than the anticipated waiting period. Motorists are asked to be patient and to obey temporary traffic signage and instructions from road officials.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | R61 Section 6 (between km 73.5 and km 76) |
| Work | Blasting at Borrow Pit 1 (approx. 100m off the left side of the road) |
| Dates | 24 August 2026; 7 September 2026 |
| Time | 13:00–15:00 (each day); closure ~1 hour) |
Observers and regular road users should monitor SANRAL social channels and local traffic reports for any updates or changes to the schedule. For those travelling through the Eastern Cape in the coming weeks, advance planning will reduce disruption to journeys and help maintain safety around the blasting operations.
