Chapman’s Peak Drive was closed in the early hours of this morning. A routine safety inspection identified a potential slope failure near one of the safety barriers (Low Energy Barrier 5, near the main lookout area) shortly before dark yesterday.
Following heavy rains which began at 1am this morning, Entilini and Provincial officials decided to close the pass to traffic, pending a geotechnical inspection taking place today.
“The rapid detection, close monitoring and swift action taken are indicative of the world class safety system on Chapman’s Peak. This is why, in contrast to four dead and nine seriously injured in rock falls in the decade or so running up to the closure in 2000, we have not had a single fatality or serious injury on Chapman’s Peak caused by a rockslide since the toll road opened”, said Transport Minister Robin Carlisle.
The pass will be re-opened as soon as possible pending a geotechnical inspection which is currently underway.
Media enquiries:
Hector Eliott
Tel: 021 483 8546
Fax: 021 483 9471
Cell: 083 669 9609
E-mail: hector.eliott@pgwc.gov.za
