Closure of Clarence Drive (R44) for emergency repairs

31 January 2023
Department of Transport and Public Works

Media release by the Department of Transport and Public Works

Clarence Drive (the R44) between the Grill Shack (km 53.5) and Steenbras Dam Mountain Pass (km 56.5) will be closed from 08:00 to 18:00 every day from 1 to 16 February 2023 for emergency slope stabilisation repairs. During closures, access to the Grill Shack will only be possible from the Rooi Els side. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible.

Heavy rains on 11 and 12 December last year caused the slopes above this section of the R44 to become unstable. The slope stabilisation repairs will be done by Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd and are scheduled to be complete by 19 March 2023.

We know that residents and visitors to the Western Cape enjoy using this scenic road between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els. For that reason, we assessed the safety of the road and decided to allow single-lane traffic on Clarence Drive during the festive season. Now that the holidays are over, we are undertaking slope stabilisation repairs in order to restore full two-way traffic along this important road.

A stop-and-go is in place between 6pm and 8am during construction.


Media enquiries

Jandre Bakker

Head of Communication                                                                                                                

Email: jandre.bakker@westerncape.gov.za