The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed scheduled blasting operations that will affect traffic flow on the N2 between KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) and Emaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff) on Tuesday, 25 June and Wednesday, 26 June 2025.
According to SANRAL’s latest advisory, the N2 will be temporarily closed for 30 minutes at 12h00 on both days at the following points:
- 25 June – Approximately 13.4 km from KwaBhaca towards Emaxesibeni
- 26 June – Approximately 6.1 km from KwaBhaca towards Emaxesibeni
These closures are part of SANRAL’s ongoing construction and safety improvement works along the busy N2 corridor that connects Kokstad and Mthatha.
Alternative Routes for Motorists:
SANRAL recommends two key detours to help ease traffic disruptions:
- R56 via Matatiele, Tlokoeng and Nqanqarhu, then take the R396 through Tsolo to rejoin the N2 toward Mthatha.
- Continue on the N2 to Pakade (18km past Kokstad), then take the R394 to Magusheni, and follow the R61 via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns before reconnecting to the N2.
Be advised: The shortest detour is 69 km longer and may add about 50 minutes to your travel time.
SANRAL’s Appeal to Road Users:
“We urge all road users to plan ahead, avoid the affected sections during blasting, and exercise patience and caution,” said Lwazi Mbanga, Acting Provincial Head for SANRAL in the Eastern Cape. “We apologise for the inconvenience as we work to improve safety and infrastructure on this important route.”
The blasting follows earlier closures on 18 and 20 June, part of a broader N2 upgrade plan.
For more updates, contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za or visit www.sanral.co.za
