Snow blankets highways, halts traffic, and triggers emergency response
A powerful snowstorm has crippled travel in and around Kokstad, prompting the complete closure of major routes including parts of the N2 near Port Shepstone and the R603 from Tacoma to Reitvlei, as authorities scramble to manage the icy fallout.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed that traffic officials are already on the ground responding to heavy congestion and stranded trucks along key routes.
“To save lives, we have decided to completely shut the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg, as well as the R603. Our teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), together with local municipal traffic officers, are actively diverting traffic and clearing snow,” Sibiya said.
Snow Response Measures in Full Swing
With weather conditions worsening, emergency snow response protocols have been activated across several affected districts. According to Sibiya, authorities are monitoring key travel corridors including:
- N2 (Kokstad to Port Shepstone)
- N3 (Harrismith to Tugela Toll, and Mooi River)
- R617 (Kokstad to Underberg)
- Ingeli Pass
“Traffic and road safety teams are working closely with the N3 Toll Concession to coordinate closures and ensure motorist safety,” he added.
Graders Deployed to Tackle Snow Build-Up
In an urgent effort to keep critical roads passable, the province has deployed more than 10 motor graders to high-risk routes. These teams have been instructed to remove snow before it accumulates beyond 30cm, which could severely impede rescue and emergency vehicle movement.
“We are sharpening our response teams with a strong sense of urgency,” said Sibiya. “The goal is rapid snow removal to minimise disruption and prevent accidents.”
Motorists have been strongly advised to delay travel to and from Kokstad until conditions improve, as further snowfall and ice formation remain a serious threat.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation and have urged the public to stay updated through official traffic and weather advisories.