WATCH: WILLEM CRUYWAGEN ROAD STILL CLOSED UNTIL FRIDAY!

The Willem Cruywagen Road in Pretoria North remains closed until Friday following a fire that broke out over the weekend, leaving hundreds of motorists and families scrambling for alternative routes.

On Tuesday morning, a TLB (tractor-loader-backhoe) was deployed to clear debris and remove damaged top layers of the road.

While work is ongoing, the closure has already caused significant disruptions, especially during peak morning and afternoon traffic.

The road, which serves as a crucial alternative entry and exit point to the Winternest Metro Police offices, the Home Affairs branch, and the train station, is now under heavy pressure as drivers seek longer detours.

Parents have also been forced to find alternate drop-off and collection routes for their children, leading to delays at several nearby schools, including Akasia Laerskool, Akasia Hoërskool, Laerskool Theresapark, Theresapark Primary, and Theresapark Secondary.

Commuters say the congestion has doubled travel times, with some reporting delays of up to an hour just to reach the industrial and business hubs around Rosslyn and Pretoria North.

“This road is a lifeline for us. Closing it, even temporarily, has thrown everything into chaos,” said one frustrated motorist.

Ward 98 councillors have urged the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) to implement proactive traffic management measures, including visible traffic points during peak hours, temporary detours with clear signage, and increased law enforcement to prevent illegal U-turns that worsen congestion.

With the road only expected to reopen on Friday, authorities are under mounting pressure to balance road repairs with traffic flow.

For now, residents and commuters alike are bracing for a difficult week ahead on Pretoria North’s roads.