Suurberg Pass Explained

Coordinates:-33.2833°N 25.7203°W
Grade Avg:1.352
Traversed:R335
Location:Between Coerney and Somerset East

Suurberg Pass is traverses the Suurberg range in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, on the regional road R335, between Coerney and Somerset East. The pass hugs the western edge of the Nyati section of the Addo Elephant National Park.

History

Construction of the pass began in 1849, with Henry Fancourt White the lead engineer in charge of 250 convicts.[1] In 1853, during construction of the first phase of the pass, White resigned. The project was taken over by Mathew Woodifield. In 1858, the pass was completed up to Somerset East and became part of the main road between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg for a hundred years when Olifantskop Pass was built in 1955.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Convict Stations & Labour in the Cape Colony South African History Online . 2023-10-26 . www.sahistory.org.za.
  2. Web site: Mathew Woodifield - The Busy Engineer who Disappeared The Heritage Portal . 2023-10-26 . www.theheritageportal.co.za.