SANRAL N2 KwaBhaca roadworks will begin on 23 February 2026, affecting traffic flow through the town centre.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited confirmed that construction works will take place on the N2 Section 19, from km 92.4 to km 95.012, in the Eastern Cape.
Traffic through KwaBhaca CBD will be disrupted for approximately four months.
What is happening?
SANRAL announced that construction works in the KwaBhaca CBD will start on 23 February 2026.
The project affects the N2 Section 19 between km 92.4 and km 95.012 in the Eastern Cape.
The works will be completed in two phases.
During this period:
- Traffic from the Mthatha side will use a single lane through the CBD.
- Traffic from the Kokstad side will be redirected via demarcated detours.
Motorists travelling between Mthatha and Kokstad should expect delays and longer travel times.
Why it matters to you
The N2 is a key route linking Mthatha and Kokstad.
However, the shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add around 50 minutes to travel time.
If you commute for work, transport goods, or travel between towns, you will need to plan ahead.
In addition, increased travel time may affect school transport, deliveries, and public transport schedules.
What you need to know
Here are the confirmed details from SANRAL:
- Start date: 23 February 2026
- Duration: Approximately four months
- Location: N2 Section 19, km 92.4 to km 95.012, KwaBhaca CBD
- Traffic arrangement from Mthatha: Single-lane access
- Traffic arrangement from Kokstad: Demarcated detours
- Extra travel time on shortest alternative route: About 50 minutes
- Extra distance on shortest alternative route: 69 kilometres
Alternative routes
Motorists travelling from Kokstad towards Mthatha may use:
- Exit the N2 at Kokstad onto the R56 towards Matatiele, continue to Nqanarhu via Tlokoeng, then take the R396 to Tsolo and rejoin the N2.
- Travel via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns using the R61, then rejoin the N2 in Mthatha.
Motorists travelling from Mthatha to Kokstad may use the same routes in reverse.
What you should do next
- Plan your trip before leaving.
- Allow at least 50 extra minutes for long-distance travel.
- Consider using alternative routes if you want to avoid CBD congestion.
- Drive with caution near construction zones.
- Monitor official SANRAL updates for changes.
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