Motorists have been advised to prepare for severe traffic congestion and delays on the N1 North following an oil spillage on the freeway.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when an oil tanker lost its load just after the Diepkloof Interchange, close to Soweto. Authorities have been working diligently to manage the situation, but substantial delays are expected.
According to Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), all lanes on the N1 North are currently closed. Traffic is being diverted onto the Rand Show Road exit and back onto the N1 North.
Fihla emphasized the need for motorists to exercise caution and patience. He also recommended that drivers consider alternate routes to avoid the affected area.
This is not the first time a spillage has caused significant disruptions on South African highways. In June, a chemical spill on the N3 Highway near Spaghetti Junction led to three construction workers being hospitalized.
The spillage created a chemical haze that spread across both sides of the route, causing breathing difficulties and abdominal pain for both construction workers and police officers on the scene.
