The Huguenot Tunnel is open to traffic again.

The South African Roads Agency (SANRAL) announced that the roadway opened at 06:00 on Thursday morning, as major repair work had been completed following the bus fire in the tunnel last Friday.

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The speed limit in the tunnel has been reduced to 40 kilometres an hour, as a precautionary measure in the meantime.

The Roads Agency further urged motorists taking that route to drive with caution.

“The reopening of the N1 Huguenot Tunnel follows a rigorous process to ensure that all safety-critical systems are fully functional. The safety of road users remains our top priority, and the decision to reopen was taken only after comprehensive verification by our engineers and independent specialists,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL Western Cape’s Randall Cable added that while the tunnel is operational, further permanent repairs to the damaged sections will take place once traffic flows are lower, during nighttime. This also depends on whether there are suitable alternative routes.

“All closures will be communicated with the public,” read the SANRAL statement.

SANRAL further thanked emergency services, technical teams and all others involved in the speedy repair of the tunnel.

“The road agency also thanks motorists and the broader public for their patience and understanding during the closure period.”

*This article has been updated to include additional information.