HEAVY snowfall in KZN has resulted in the closure of the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone.
Most parts of the province were extremely cold, windy and rainy on Tuesday, 10 June. The rain that led to the cold had begun on Monday, 9 June.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has urged motorists and snow chasers to avoid the area at all costs.
"Prevention is better than cure," said Duma.
Duma said he is currently in Port Shepstone for road construction projects.
"I wish to advise motorists and the people of KZN that our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has closed the N2 due to snowfall around Kokstad and Port Shepstone," he said.
The MEC said to save lives, they have decided to completely close the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as R603, Tacoma to Reit.
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"Therefore, we urge motorists and general members of the public to avoid that area at all costs by delaying their trips leading to Kokstad as trucks are already stuck and creating huge congestion."
He said the RTI team is working with traffic police from Kokstad and the Ray Nkonyeni Local municipalities to redirect motorists and clear the snow.
"Critically, we wish to report that traffic officers, Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate are already involved in the co-ordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with the N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on the N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, the N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and the N3 Mooi-River, and others," he said.
He said Transport Infrastructure Unit drivers of motor graders are prepared to respond quickly to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road.
More than 10 graders will be stationed on identified routes to ensure quicker response.
"We are interacting with the SA Weather Services to ensure our response is based on authentic information. We have received three Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds in the southern parts of KZN," he said.
