The road in question is flooded due to persistent heavy rainfall.

The spokesperson of the premier, Palesa Chubisi, says motorists should make use of alternative routes, preferably into the town of Bothaville to avoid the R59. 

At least five heavy trucks got stuck on the road since it has been flooded. 

“Five heavy trucks are stuck on the road, however, the Department of Police, Roads and Transport has deployed [an] emergency team to ensure the safety of road users,” she adds.

ALSO READ: Motorists warned about adverse driving conditions in Free State

The Department of Police, Roads and Transport first cautioned motorists over the weekend about adverse driving conditions due to flooding of some of the province’s roads. 

SABC News reported the following roads are impassable and motorists are advised to use alternative routes:

• For the R76 between Kroonstad to Viljoenskroon, the alternative routes are the R721 and R59;
• For the R59 between Bothaville and Viljoenskroon, the alternative routes are the R727, R76, R721 and R59;
• For the R34 between Kroonstad and Edenville, the alternative routes are the S151 and S155; and
• The alternative route for the R82 between Koppies and Sasolburg is the N1.
• There is no alternative route available for travellers on the R30 from Bothaville to Orkney.

ALSO READ: Also read: Free State 'road of death' to be fixed for R22 million

The R30 road, which had previously given motorists and the department a headache due to floods, will soon be completed. 

The notorious R30 road near Allanridge, which has claimed 15 lives in less than three months this year, will cost more than R22 million to fully reconstruct. 

Spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, said that reconstruction on the road has already begun after it was closed for some time for safety precautions. 

The project to repair and prevent flooding in areas on the R30 road near Nyakallong and north of Allanridge towards Bothaville, is estimated to be completed by 15 March 2023. 

The tender was awarded to Matela Civils and Construction, who has a standing record with the department. 

Construction will include lifting and tarring the road, building an open earth drain, installing stormwater pipes, reinstating road markings and signage, and installing road studs and guardrails. 

"The temporary job creation and economic relief will be a much-needed financial injection for a very impoverished community," says a DA councillor at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Jessica Nel.

OFM News