Caution: R531-2 Closed Due to Bridge Collapse Near Wits Rural Facility

Mbombela – Officials have declared the R531-2 closed due to a collapse near the Wits Rural Facility.

On Monday, 20 April 2026, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety issued a warning stating, “the road is unsafe and impassable. Law enforcement and technical teams are currently on site.”

The department further noted: “Motorists and all road users should be aware that the R531-2, also known as Orpen Road, is completely closed to traffic following a collapse near the Wits Rural Facility.”

Alternative routes

Motorists are advised to take the following alternative routes until further notice:

Traffic from Mpumalanga: Utilize the R40 towards Hoedspruit to avoid the affected section.
Traffic from Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Reroute through Phalaborwa to reconnect with your original path.

“Please allow for extra travel time and potential congestion on these alternative routes,” the department cautioned.

In the meantime, South African National Parks (SANParks) has notified visitors traveling to and from Kruger National Park that Orpen Gate is presently unreachable.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw mentioned that a bridge along the R531-2 was “washed away last night.”

He further advised: “Guests should use alternative gates such as Paul Kruger and Phalaborwa to enter or exit the Park until further notice.”