Motorists cautioned as rain and snow cause chaos on Eastern Cape roads

Traffic officials have warned motorists in Nelson Mandela Bay and across the Eastern Cape to be cautious when driving due to the adverse weather conditions that have hit the province.

While the Bay has been pelted with heavy rain since Monday, causing localised flooding, several mountain passes in other parts of the province have been closed due to snow and icy conditions.

Nelson Mandela Bay traffic officials have advised motorists to be cautious along the following roads, or to avoid them where possible:

• Addo Road, Motherwell
• Buick Road, Markman
• 3rd Avenue, Newton Park
• Altona Road, Greenbushes
• Seaview Road, Seaview — waterlogged
• Ngeni Street and surrounds, Kariega
• Jabavu Road and surrounds, KwaNobuhle
• Mantanzima Road and surrounds, KwaNobuhle
• Parts of Cape Road — waterlogged
• Cape Road between St Albans and Mission Road — emergency lane water logged
• Maitlands Road, near Maitlands Beach
• Maqanda Street, Kwazakele
• Avenue A and surrounds, New Brighton

The entrance to the Nelson Mandela Bay Fresh Produce Market, in the Markman industrial area, is experiencing flooding and access to the market may be temporarily restricted.

Traffic spokesperson Unathi Binqose said several high-lying roads in parts of the province, which were closed due to snow, had been reopened under strict supervision of traffic officials.

• N2 between KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and Kokstad — closure is imminent
• N9 near Middelburg, at Lootsberg towards Graaff-Reinet — opened partially under strict supervision
• R61, Wapadsberg towards Nxuba (Cradock) — partially reopened under strict supervision.
• R58, Khowa (Elliot) at Barkly Pass towards Barkly East — open for smaller vehicles under strict supervision

“The N2 road between Chintsa and Brakfontein just outside East London is closed to traffic due to a fatal accident involving a minibus taxi,” he said.

“Motorists are urged to use alternative routes such as the old Transkei road.”

The Herald