Bad news for Durban to Joburg motorists: Expect delays for the next five years

Motorists travelling on one of KwaZulu-Natal’s busiest highways are being urged to prepare for significant traffic delays as SANRAL begins a major R6 billion upgrade of the N3.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) says construction is now underway on an 11.1km section of the N3 between the Mariannhill Toll Plaza and Key Ridge.

The extensive project forms part of SANRAL’s long-term plan to improve one of South Africa’s most important freight and commuter corridors and is expected to take 60 months – or five years – to complete.

SANRAL says expect delays and lower speed limits along N3

SANRAL has warned that motorists should expect traffic disruptions throughout the construction period.

While measures will be put in place to keep traffic moving safely, drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and remain alert when travelling through the work zone.

“We urge motorists to be aware that the impact of the construction on traffic will be significant. While every effort will be made to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow within the project limits, road users should anticipate delays and plan their journeys accordingly,” said SANRAL KwaZulu-Natal Project Manager Nondumiso Mabaso.

To improve safety for road users and construction workers, temporary speed limits will apply throughout the project.

Heavy vehicles will be restricted to 40km/h, while light motor vehicles will be limited to 60km/h through the construction zone.

What work will be done?

The R6 billion project will involve major upgrades aimed at increasing the capacity, safety, as well as resilience of the busy highway.

Planned work includes:

• Widening and upgrading the existing N3 carriageways
• Rebuilding sections of the road pavement
• Constructing two new viaduct bridges
• Upgrading stormwater drainage systems
• Installing concrete median barriers
• Building retaining walls and major culverts
• Upgrading road signs, markings and lighting
• Improving landscaping and environmental rehabilitation

Traffic accommodation measures will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Alternative routes available

If major incidents occur within the construction zone, motorists may be diverted onto alternative routes.

These include:

• The M13 and other provincial roads
• N3 service roads, where available
• Local municipal roads, as directed by traffic management officials

SANRAL has urged drivers to obey temporary road signs, speed restrictions and instructions from traffic officers while travelling through the area.

The agency also confirmed that during the contractor’s annual December and January shutdown period, at least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open.

The N3 is South Africa’s busiest freight route, linking the Port of Durban with Gauteng and carrying thousands of trucks and passenger vehicles every day.

According to SANRAL, upgrading the route is essential to improving road safety, reducing congestion and ensuring the highway can meet growing traffic demands in the years ahead.

The agency has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the construction but says the temporary disruptions will ultimately deliver long-term benefits for motorists and the country’s economy.