Bad timing
2005-02-28
AN accident in the Huguenot Tunnel in Du Toit's Kloof on Tuesday caused the closure of the route for the second time since Saturday.
But compared to the major disruptions at the weekend, Tuesday's three car pile-up due to a driver not adhering to the safe following distance, could be cleared within 30 minutes.
At 16:45 on Saturday a truck carrying compressed paper broke down 3km into the tunnel.
Tuncor's monitering operators immediately noticed the problem and dispatched a fire team as well as an unit to guide people to safety.
The drivers of heavy vehicles stuck behind the burning truck, were taken to safety by the emergency teams.
"This is the second major fire we've had, the other being the busfire in 1994," tunnel manager Andries Mars said.
"Once again Tuncor - and other emergency rescue teams - learnt valuable lessons.
"The biggest problem remains the handling of the motorists."
More than 10 000 motorists use the tunnel on an average Sunday, the busiest day of the week.
The closure of the tunnel could not have come at a worse time, with the Pass open for single lane traffic only since roadworks had started earlier this month.
According to Mars emotions ran high at times.
"We broadcast the closure on the radio, television and in the newspapers, but I do think the traffic department could have shown more initiative.
"Late on Sunday afternoon they suggested alternative routes to motorists at Worcester. That immediately made a difference in the congestion on the Pass."
Earlier in the day, motorists had up to a two hour delay on the Pass. Many motorists did not have sufficient fuel for the detours over Wellington, Tulbagh or Villiersdorp.
In the tunnel, damage was contained to a single section of the concrete structure, which is divided into separate panels.
With the damage to lighting, the 7km tunnel was shrouded in darkness when emnergency units arrived on the scene.
By Monday 30m of the road surface that had cracked, had been retarred.
"The air ducts are clear and the tunnel is absolutely safe now," Mars said.
"We are not concerned about the loss of toll fees. More important is the service we offer to the motorist."
Drakenstein fire officer Derick Peceur said: "It is always difficult to work in a confined space.
"The fire trucks and rescue units however, had easy access from the adjoining service tunnel.
"Luckily no-one was injured in the blaze."
The tunnel was reopened for traffic at noon on Monday.
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