Section of R31 to close for road safety prayer service

A SECTION of the R31 will be temporarily closed on October 10 for a road safety prayer service in response to the increasing number of road accidents and rising crime between Phutanang and Platfontein.

The event is being hosted in partnership with the Sol Plaatje Traffic Department and Radio Revival.

The road will be closed from 12–2pm, between the turn-off to Barkly Road at the Schmidtsdrift circle and the entrance to Phutanang, in both directions. The exit to the R31 via Phutanang will also be closed for the duration of the service.

The event will begin with a motorcade departing from the Revival FM studio in Stockdale Street, Kimberley, travelling along New Main Street, turning left onto Bultfontein Street, then right onto Long Street, and continuing along Schmidtsdrift Road to the open area past Riviera Spar, where community members will gather.

Participants will proceed along Schmidtsdrift Road and take the third exit at the circle onto the R31.

Traffic officers will regulate traffic and escort the motorcade as part of safety and traffic management measures for the event.

Residents — especially families of those who lost loved ones on the R31 road — are invited to attend the service in remembrance of their loved ones.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid congestion:

Motorists entering from Barkly West:

Turn left onto Barkly Road, then right onto Seleke Street, continue onto Nobengula Road and then Schmidtsdrift Road, where you may turn left or right - depending on your destination. Alternatively, proceed straight on Barkly Road onto Pniel Road.

Motorists entering from Schmitsdrift Road:

Turn right onto Nobengula Road, continue onto Seleke Street, turn left onto Barkly Road, and then turn right onto the R31 towards Barkly West.

The municipality has apologised for any inconvenience caused.