SANRAL is taking separate measures to address strong wind and hazardous load risks on the Huguenot route – a strategic section of the N1 freight corridor.
The agency warned on September 4 that sections of the Huguenot Toll Road could be partially closed to certain heavy vehicles during periods of strong wind.
Hugo’s Viaduct, west of the Huguenot Tunnel entrance, is vulnerable to extreme gusts that have previously caused trucks to overturn, SANRAL said.
The agency subsequently conducted a controlled hazardous load simulation at the Huguenot Toll Tunnel on September 10 to test its preparedness for an incident involving dangerous goods.
The exercise tested emergency response procedures, communication systems, inter-agency coordination, traffic control, evacuation procedures and responder decision-making.
SANRAL Media Relations Manager Lwando Mahlasela told Freight News that the wind restrictions and hazardous load simulation addressed different operational risks but supported the agency’s broader objective of improving safety and reliability along the route.
“SANRAL continually assesses risks associated with the Huguenot Tunnel and surrounding infrastructure, including severe weather, traffic incidents and hazardous load transport,” Mahlasela said.
The agency also considered other events that could disrupt traffic on the corridor, he added.
However, SANRAL has not confirmed whether it has a dedicated programme to improve operations at the Huguenot Tunnel and Hugo’s Viaduct.
Observations from the simulation are still being reviewed with participating stakeholders. SANRAL will evaluate any recommendations and implement them where appropriate, Mahlasela said.
“Ensuring reliable passage through the Huguenot route is one of our top priorities, especially when severe weather incidents threaten to disrupt traffic on the N1.”
