Alternative KKNK routes

2003-03-26 23:19

Llewellyn Prince

Cape Town - Traffic authorities have suggested alternative routes to Oudtshoorn where the Klein Karoo National Arts Fesitval (KKNK) is to take place soon.

This follows widespread damage caused by devastating floods to the most popular route over Ashton and Montague.

There is confusion over which routes are open, but Western Cape acting deputy traffic chief Anton Cole says the only route out of action is the Ashton/Montague road.

Motorists can still use the N1 or N2 routes out of Cape Town.

An alternative route from Cape Town is to take the N1 past Worcester and De Doorns. Just before Touws River, take a right turn in the direction of Montagu through the picturesque Koo Valley to Montagu and Barrydale.

After Barrydale, motorists can follow the tourist R62 route where one-way traffic across the Touws River bridge, as a result of flood damage, is likely to be the only disruption.

From Ladismith the road leads straight to Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn.

Those who want a quicker route to Oudtshoorn can follow the N2 to Swellendam. From there take the R324 past Buffelsjag River through historical Zuurbraak and the scenic Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and then on the R62 through Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn.

Motorists travelling from Gauteng and the Eastern Cape need not feel cut off from festivities.

Provincial traffic centre manager for Oudtshoorn Gerald Bekker says the N2 from Port Elizabeth to George and the N12 to Oudtshoorn are open to traffic.

Motorists travelling along the N1 from Gauteng will be able to take the N12 from Beaufort West through Meiringspoort. The road was closed to traffic but is now open.

Alternatively the route through Colesberg along the N9 through Graaff Reinet, Aberdeen and Willowmore and De Rust to Oudtshoorn is also an option.

- Die Burger