KZN main alternative routes open: Backlog being cleared

While rescue operations continue between Van Reenen and Swinburne, motorists are advised to avoid travel between the Tugela Plaza and Harrismith until further notice.

September 22, 2024
Allison Cooper 2 minutes read
The Free State/KZN (R74) route where rescue teams evacuated trapped motorists and bus passengers between Harrismith and Bergville yesterday. Photo: Traffic SA/X.

While it is unlikely that the road between Harrismith and Tugela Plaza will open anytime soon, the main alternative routes are open.

Challenging rescue and recovery operations continue between Van Reenen and Swinburne/Montrose.

This is according to the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which posted on X (formerly Twitter) this morning that light motor vehicles are being cleared first. Trucks remain stacked and relief aid is being provided, it said.

Traffic SA posted on X at 08:05 this morning that there is a massive blockage of trucks and vehicles (jack-knifed trucks and some abandoned vehicles) between Montrose and Van Reenen Village.

“It is a time-consuming job to turn the trucks around to move them – it’s literally one truck at a time being cleared – the blockage of vehicles is also preventing graders from completing their work of clearing the snow.

“It is unlikely that the road between Harrismith and Tugela Plaza will open anytime soon.

“Motorists are urged to stay away and use the main alternative routes – which are all open now. Rescue teams and relief workers remain on the scene assisting where they can.”

Last night, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) and N3TC announced that the road was reopened to clear traffic at Van Reenen’s Pass.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and N3TC route services last night started slowly escorting stranded road users out of the area in the southbound lanes (towards KZN).

Graders and rescue teams are continuing to clear a safe passage for road users stranded in the vicinity of Swinburne/Montrose.

“Please remain patient while the next phase of the rescue and recovery operation is being completed,” said Vusi Mona, Sanral’s general manager for communications and marketing.

“Road users are advised to carefully follow the instructions of rescue teams and road traffic officials once they receive the go-ahead to proceed. Please drive slowly and with the utmost caution and care.”

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

September 22, 2024
Allison Cooper 2 minutes read
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