Motorists travelling along Chapman’s Peak Drive between Hout Bay and Noordhoek should prepare for temporary road closures during March 2026 as scheduled exploratory engineering work takes place to support ongoing safety assessments and long-term infrastructure planning.

The work forms part of a continuous programme to monitor the stability of the mountain slopes and ensure the long-term safety of one of Cape Town’s most iconic coastal routes.

Road Closure Dates and Times

The following traffic restrictions will be in place:

• Wednesday, 11 March 2026: Half-width road closure from 08:00 to 17:00
• Wednesday, 18 March 2026: Full road closure from 08:00 to 17:00
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026: Full road closure from 08:00 to 17:00

During the half-width closure, traffic will be managed to allow limited movement along the route. On the two days of full closure, Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed to all traffic while engineers conduct specialised testing.

According to the management of Chapman’s Peak Drive, the roadway has always required advanced engineering solutions due to the natural environment in which the road is built.

The scenic route runs along a natural granite contour in a complex geological setting where rockfalls and slope instability can occur. Major upgrades completed in 2003 introduced modern safety systems designed to reduce these risks.

The route now incorporates advanced engineering measures such as rockfall catch fences, protective canopies and terrain modelling technology to help monitor and manage natural hazards.

The current exploratory work includes drilling and geotechnical sampling, allowing engineers to assess the condition of the mountain slopes above the roadway and determine whether additional safety infrastructure may be required in the future.

Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes on the affected days.

READ MORE: Temporary Road Closures for Exploratory Testing on Chapman’s Peak Drive – Chapmans Peak Drive

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging the public to exercise caution around water, especially with temperatures reaching 40°C in Cape Town.  

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a heatwave advisory for the Western Cape, including the Cape Town region, expected until Friday, 13 March.  

Temperatures are forecast to rise significantly above the seasonal average, with some areas experiencing temperatures in the mid-30s to low-40s°C. 

READ MORE: Cape Town Braces for Hottest Day of Week as Heat Advisory Remains in Place – Smile 90.4FM

Hot weather often draws large numbers of people to beaches, rivers and dams as they seek relief from the heat.  

However, the NSRI warns that increased water activity also increases the risk of drowning if basic safety precautions are not followed. 

“During hot weather we often see increased activity at beaches, rivers and dams. A few simple precautions can make the difference between having fun and a tragedy,” said the NSRI’s Andrew Ingram.  

The NSRI encourages beachgoers to swim only where lifeguards are on duty and between the red and yellow flags. 

“Swim between their red and yellow flags. Lifeguards monitor water conditions and can quickly respond if someone needs help,” the statement read. 

Parents and caregivers are also urged to keep a constant watch over children around water.  

“Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Young children should never be left unattended near water.” 

The organisation further advises people to remain hydrated during the heatwave, noting that dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness and poor judgement, increasing the likelihood of accidents in and around water.  

“Alcohol and water activities are a dangerous combination. The NSRI strongly advises against swimming, boating or participating in water activities after consuming alcohol, as alcohol impairs judgement, balance and reaction time.” 

The NSRI further urged beachgoers to remain alert to rip currents and avoid entering the water to rescue someone without first calling for help and taking a flotation device. 

“Those visiting rivers and dams are reminded to be cautious of slippery banks and sudden drop-offs.” 

The NSRI has reminded the public to immediately contact emergency services if someone appears to be in difficulty in the water.  

“Water users are encouraged to buddy up, look out for one another, respect local safety signage and follow the guidance of lifeguards.” 

Emergency numbers: 
• NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774 
• From a cellphone: 112 

The Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) has called for stringent measures to be implemented to curb the daily murders taking place on the Cape Flats.

This comes after two men were gunned down in Hanekam Street in Kalksteenfontein earlier this morning.

Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala says the circumstances surrounding the attack remains unknown.

“Two males aged 33 and 43 were shot and fatally wounded at about 09:20 this morning. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”

CPF chairperson Amanda Davids says it has become a sad reality to witness daily murders in communities across the Cape Flats.

“It is saddening to see people die on the streets like this. As a community and government, more needs to be done to bring an end to the ongoing gun violence.’’

Davids stressed that innocent people are often caught in the crossfire, not only literally at times, but also through secondary trauma.

“We cannot allow this to continue. People are dying on a daily basis and we need to do something to protect not only the innocent lives that are affected by these senseless murders, but also innocent bystanders that are not only traumatised by witnessing  these acts of violence, but who end up living in fear due to the ongoing shootings.”

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