Major road closures in Cape Town CBD ahead of SONA: Here are the affected routes

Motorists in Cape Town are being warned to expect widespread traffic disruptions in the Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will be delivered at City Hall on February 12, 2026.

The City of Cape Town says road closures will be in place before, during and after the event, with some restrictions starting as early as Monday, February 9, and continuing until Thursday, February 26, 2026.

“The annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) takes place on Thursday, 12 February,” the City said.

“The City's Traffic Services reminds the public that road closures will be in place in the lead up, during and after the event.”

Several major streets in the city centre will be closed or partially restricted at various times, including:

• Darling Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets –Closed 4am to 11.59pm on Thursday, February 12, and 9am to 11.45pm from Friday, 13 to Thursday, February 26.
• Corporation Street, between Caledon and Darling streets –Closed 12am to11.45pm on Thursday, February 12, and 9am to 11.45pm from February 13 to 26.
• Plein Street / Lower Plein Street, between Roeland and Castle streets –Closed 12am to 11.45pm on Thursday, February 12, and 9am to 11.45pm from February 13 to 26.
• Commercial Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets –Closed 4am to 11.45pm on Thursday, February 12.
• Buitenkant Street between Roeland and Darling streets –Traffic control in place 5.45pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, February 12.
• Sir Lowry Road, between Tennant Street and Darling Street –Closed 12pm to 11.45pm on Thursday, February 12.

In areas such as Newlands, Rondebosch, Observatory and Mowbray, rolling closures will be implemented on key routes including:

• M3 / Union Avenue / Rhodes Drive –Temporary closures for 35 minutes between 5.45 and 7.30 on Thursday, February 12.
• N2 City-bound carriageway –Intermittent closures 5.45pm to 7.30pm for 35 minutes

Parking in parts of the CBD will also be affected during this period.

“The event will once again take place at the City Hall. Traffic flow in and around the CBD will be affected by road closures before, during and after the event,” the City said.

“Some of these closures will be in place from February 7, until February 28, 2026. Available parking space in some areas will also be affected.”

The City is calling on motorists to take personal responsibility for planning ahead.

“Although signage will be installed in the affected areas, motorists are requested to please familiarise themselves with the list of road closures and plan their routes accordingly,” the City said.

Traffic Services also urged road users to act responsibly during the period.

“Motorists are requested to limit non-essential travel in the CBD area over the period in question, factor in additional travelling time if they must move in and out or around the CBD and surrounds, as traffic volumes will likely be elevated, plan routes accordingly, keep intersections free between light changes as blocking interchanges causes further delays, and be patient and courteous,” the City said.

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