Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular roads in South Africa

The 9km  route, which winds along scenic cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean, has been closed since last June due to repeated rockfalls - one in which a motorist was killed.  Local residents especially have been seriously inconvenienced by its closure, often having to do a long detour via Ou Kaapse weg.

The new toll road operators, Entilini, have also been in the spotlight.  Their contract entitles them to provincial government payouts - even if the road is closed!

However, sincle getting the concession in 2003, Entilini has constructed massive catch nets on the slopes above the road to prevent further rockfalls.  A semi-enclosed tunnel has also been built to protect motorists on the most high-risk stretch.

For many years, Chapman's has been an integral part of Cape Town's most famous sporting events: the Two Oceans Marathon and the Argus cycle tour.  This year's Argus was given a special dispensation to use Chapman's Drive even though it was closed to vehicular traffic. 

Once again, locals and visitors alike can enjoy this extremely beautiful drive.

Courtesy: Sapa