The Western Cape Government is investing R1.165bn in the MR191 road-improvement project to repair flood-damaged sections of Franschhoek Pass, improve road safety and strengthen regional connectivity.
Source: Wikipedia.
Work includes resurfacing, drainage upgrades and specialised slope stabilisation, which will improve the route’s resilience to extreme weather.
Subject to favourable construction conditions, the upgrade will be completed in July next year and the re-opening of the pass will be scheduled during the builder’s break from mid-December to mid-January, subject to stop/go controls. However, it will remain closed if safety concerns prevent traffic from passing safely.
Rebuilding stronger infrastructure after severe flooding: The Franschhoek Pass sustained extensive damage following severe rainfall in October 2023, which resulted in 16 slope failures. Further heavy rainfall in May 2026 caused five additional slips and erosion at the Du Toits River bridge abutment on the Villiersdorp side.
These events highlighted the vulnerability of critical road infrastructure to extreme weather and the importance of investing in long-term resilience. As a result, the additional flood-damage repairs have been incorporated into the broader MR191 upgrading project.
The project includes:
- Widening and upgrading approximately 9.57km of MR191 between Old Paarl Road (MR189) and Helshoogte Road (MR172) to a Class 1 road.
- Repairing approximately 14km between the Helshoogte intersection and the Franschhoek urban area.
- Repairing approximately 16km between Franschhoek and the Theewaterskloof Dam.
- Upgrading and maintaining drainage structures to improve stormwater management.
- Reconstructing damaged road surfaces and stabilising vulnerable slopes.
Specialised engineering interventions include soil nails, high-strength steel mesh, anchored gabion walls and reinforced concrete slope protection.
Work is also under way on asphalt surfacing, pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements and repairs to the Du Toits River bridge abutment.
Creating opportunities for local communities: Beyond the physical infrastructure improvements, the project is generating measurable economic benefits for surrounding communities. So far:
- 94,090 person-days of local labour have been delivered, exceeding the target of 70,160.
- 357 work opportunities have been created against a target of 440.
- 57 local enterprises have supplied goods and services, exceeding the target of 40.
- Six emerging contractors have benefited through subcontracting opportunities, meeting the project’s target.
- R141.15m has been directed towards targeted enterprises, exceeding the R126.17m target.
Infrastructure investment that delivers lasting benefits: Minister Simmers said, “The damage caused by successive flooding events reminds us why investing in resilient infrastructure is so important.
“We are not simply repairing damaged roads. We are strengthening vital transport connections, improving road safety and investing in infrastructure that must serve our communities and economy for years to come.
“Equally important is the economic value created during construction. With more than 94,000 person-days of local labour and over R141m directed towards targeted enterprises, this project demonstrates how infrastructure investment can support livelihoods and create opportunities for local businesses
“Our commitment remains to deliver infrastructure that is safer, more resilient and capable of supporting economic growth across the Western Cape.”
Looking ahead
Construction and flood-recovery works will continue across the identified sections, with completion anticipated in July 2027.
The Department of Infrastructure remains committed to restoring damaged transport infrastructure while improving long-term road safety, connectivity and resilience.
