N1 Cape Town Accident Today: Truck Collides With Lower Church Street Pedestrian Bridge, Causing Major Traffic Disruptions

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Motorists travelling along the N1 highway in Cape Town faced significant traffic disruptions on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after a heavy truck collided with the Lower Church Street pedestrian bridge, damaging the structure and prompting partial road closures in both directions.

According to the report published by Cape Town Etc, the collision occurred earlier Sunday morning when a flatbed truck transporting a large industrial tank struck the underside of the pedestrian bridge. The impact reportedly dislodged the truck’s load and caused substantial damage to the bridge structure.

Eyewitness accounts described the truck tipping over following the collision, scattering concrete debris across several outbound traffic lanes. The incident created a hazardous situation for motorists and prompted an emergency response, with authorities moving quickly to secure the affected area.

City Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue, and Law Enforcement attended the scene. Structural engineers were also dispatched to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the bridge remained safe. Officials identified significant concrete spalling and exposed reinforcing steel along the underside of the bridge deck, raising concerns about its structural integrity.

Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, said the road closure followed a major collision and that reopening the affected section would depend on the outcome of the structural inspection. Cleanup teams were working to remove heavy debris to allow engineers to conduct a thorough assessment.

As of Sunday evening, the City had not announced a confirmed reopening time. Authorities indicated that the road would reopen as soon as possible, subject to structural safety clearance.

Motorists were advised to avoid the N1 section near Lower Church Street and consider alternative routes, including Albert Road and Sir Lowry Road through Woodstock or Salt River. The N2 outbound, also known as Nelson Mandela Boulevard, was suggested as another detour from the city centre.

Drivers travelling through Cape Town were urged to exercise caution, allow additional travel time and follow instructions from traffic officials. Further updates on the road closure and bridge inspection are expected as the assessment progresses.