R61 Closures Planned for Blasting on Two Days

Motorists travelling on the R61 between Baziya near Mthatha and All Saints near Ngcobo are being warned of temporary road closures due to scheduled blasting operations.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said blasting will take place on Monday, 24 August 2026, and again on Monday, 7 September 2026.

On both days, the blasting is scheduled to take place between 13:00 and 15:00, with the R61 expected to be temporarily closed for approximately one hour to allow the blasting and clean-up operations to be completed safely.

The work will take place along R61 Section 6, approximately 100 metres off the road at Borrow Pit 1, between kilometre 73.5 and kilometre 76 on the stretch between Baziya and All Saints.

SANRAL warned motorists that there are no suitable alternative routes around the affected section.

While motorists could use alternative routes including the N2, SANRAL said these would result in significantly longer travelling times than waiting for the temporary closure to be lifted.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly and to exercise caution when using the road,” SANRAL Eastern Cape Provincial Head Mbulelo Peterson said.

Motorists using the R61 this afternoon should therefore plan for possible delays between 13:00 and 15:00.

A second temporary closure is expected on Monday, 7 September, during the same time period.

SANRAL apologised to motorists and surrounding communities for any inconvenience caused by the blasting operations.