13/10/2026
TRAVEL TRAFFIC ALERT β οΈ
β οΈ URGENT TRAFFIC WARNING β EASTERN CAPE β οΈ
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Date: 13 October 2026
Major routes along the N2 corridor from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) through East London and into the Transkei region are open, but require severe caution due to active road hazards and volatile protest hot spots. Law enforcement and SANRAL are monitoring the following critical points:
1. Gqeberha (PE) to East London Route
* R102 (Van Stadens Bridge Bypass): Closed completely less than 100 metres west toward Thornhill due to a severe sinkhole. You must remain on the N2 mainline highway to cross this section safely.
* N2 Makhanda to Fish River Pass: Subject to intermittent maintenance delays. Keep to the N2 or use the R72 Coastal Route through Port Alfred as your primary alternative if heavy tracking or construction bottlenecks occur approaching East London.
2. East London to Mthatha Corridor
* N2 Dutywa to Butterworth: Expect severe residual traffic backlogs. Early morning sand-trucking protests heavily disrupted this section. While provincial traffic officials have begun moving traffic, slow-moving queues remain.
* N6 East London Exit: If you intend to cut inland toward Komani via Stutterheim, be aware that the N6 near Ducat has experienced multi-day protest blockades with burning tyres. If affected, detour via the N2 to Qonce, then take the R410 to Stutterheim.
3. Mthatha through Transkei (Towards KZN)
* N2 Qumbu, KwaBhaca (Mount Frere), and EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff): Vigilance is highly recommended. Protesting truck operators previously blocked these sections completely with loads of sand and burning tyres over riverbank mining permits. Law enforcement has reopened the lanes, but conditions remain volatile and highly unpredictable.