18 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project
For Immediate Release
18 March 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commends the Western Cape Government (WCG) and particularly its Department of Infrastructure (DoI) for their significant progress in repairing efforts of the Montagu Pass (DR1640). The GRDM is responsible for performing a Roads Agency Function (maintenance and upgrades) on behalf of the WCG DoI, receiving allocations annually from them.
GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “Through collaboration, the WCG DoI has successfully navigated complex legislative and environmental processes to bring this critical project back on track with the backing of the private sector”.
“It is no secret that the Montagu Pass sustained severe flood damage, which required a comprehensive repair strategy to ensure its long-term resilience. The Pass is of vital importance to the residents of George and surrounds as it is also a tourism asset and an agricultural corridor that supports jobs,” said Stroebel.
George Executive Mayor, Jackie Von Brandis also added: “I am pleased about the clear way forward to restore this historical pass to its former glory. The Montagu Pass remains one of our country’s oldest unaltered mountain passes, completed in 1847. Beyond its historical significance, the pass has for long been a weekend favourite for adventure seekers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers who enjoy its rugged beauty and nostalgic charm. I look forward to seeing domestic and international tourists using it again.”
The CEO of Agri Western Cape (AWC), Jannie Strydom, also added: “Fully functional and well-maintained infrastructure is vital for the agricultural sector to function optimally, because this without a doubt supports the sustainability and operational efficiency of the sector”. Strydom has been instrumental in coordinating engagements between AWC, GRDM, WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the George Business Chamber, Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the WCG DoI.
Willie-John van Niekerk, the Chairman of the George Heritage Trust, extended his thank yous to all relevant authorities, organisations and support groups too, who have contributed to the traction of the project. “We trust that the work on the Pass will be carried out in accordance with heritage principles, ensuring that it does not lead to further degradation of the road due to a lack of understanding of its structure or through well-intentioned but misinformed alterations to the natural environment.”
Following the aforementioned comments, Mayor Stroebel thanks to all stakeholders for their collaborative spirit during this process to date.
The reality on the ground, which will be addressed soon as per the timeline provided below by WCG DoI.
The timeline provided by the DoI for the project is as follows:
Project Initiation & Assessment
- October 2024: Western Cape Government receives additional funding through the National Disaster Management Grant to address flood damage and repairs.
- November 2024: Zutari engineering firm appointed to provide professional engineering services.
- November 2024 – February 2025: On-site assessments conducted, with stakeholder consultations (business representatives, heritage agencies) to align objectives and mitigate delays.
Design & Environmental Processes
- End of February 2025: Design scope approved, allowing the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) application process to commence.
- Early March 2025: Survey results received and processed to inform detailed engineering design.
- By End of March 2025: NEMA application submission target.
- March – late September 2025: NEMA and other environmental authorisations expected (subject to public participation and appeals process).
Construction Phase
- Late October 2025: Anticipated construction commencement (if authorisations are secured on time).
- October 2025 – August 2026: Estimated construction period (8-10 months) at a projected cost of R80 million.
Project Completion and Maintenance
- August 2026: Expected full reopening of Montagu Pass (subject to all conditions being met).
Beyond August 2026
- Routine maintenance to align with heritage practices.
- Maintenance overseen by the District Roads Engineer: Garden Route and Central Karoo.
- Continued efforts to enhance road resilience against future flood damage.
Read the full WCG DoI statement here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/infrastructure/article/good-progress-being-made-montagu-pass-repair-project
Issued by Garden Route District Municipality and endorsed by the Western Cape Provincial WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, George Municipality, Agri Western Cape, George Business Chamber, AHI and ACSA.
Feature image: A scenic image of the Montagu Pass, showcasing its natural beauty as it is nestled within the Outeniqua Mountains.
ENDS