Easter traffic guide: Heavy traffic expected on these major routes

The Easter weekend has proven to be one of the busiest periods on South African roads over the years, with many travellers making their way to holiday destinations across the country to enjoy a long weekend.

Some of these busy routes include:

• the N4 between Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the N4
• the N3 between Gauteng and Durban
• the N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo

Traffic on the N4 between Gauteng and Maputo

The Middelburg Observer reports statistics indicate that the Easter weekend is the busiest weekend of the year on the N4 between Gauteng and Maputo, and traffic volumes are expected to peak as follows:

• Thursday, March 28: 11:00 – 20:00
• Friday, March 29: 08:00 – 14:00
• Monday, April 1: 09:00 – 17:00

Lowvelder reports local authorities have issued both words of caution and warning to motorists travelling Mpumalanga’s roads this weekend, as the amount of traffic is expected to increase exponentially over the next few days.

With the busy roads, local law enforcement has also promised a no-nonsense approach to drunk driving and negligent driving with the spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, stating that those arrested for drunk driving over the Easter period will only make their first court appearance on Tuesday April 2.

“Disregarding road rules can have dire consequences, including serious injury and death. We also appeal to all motorists along the roads to be responsible and law-abiding,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mmusi said the department will be cracking down on drunk and negligent driving in an effort to reduce road fatalities and crashes. He said the department would be working closely with other stakeholders such as the police and traffic officers, and that it has identified roads that will be monitored based on high accident rates from previous years.

“We will have roadblock patrols and law enforcements on these roads we identified, and will target drunk and negligent driving as well as people with vehicles that are not roadworthy,” he said.

As for the Lebombo Border, where a high volume of traffic is expected, Mmusi said the department will ensure there is no congestion by deploying officers.

Major General David Chilembe, deputy commissioner of operations for the Border Management Authority (BMA), said the BMA is ready and prepared for Easter.

“We are expecting a lot of traffic, hence we have provided extra personnel for each port and have extended the operational hours in those ports that are not operating on a 24-hour basis. Travellers should travel as early as possible and ensure their passports are valid.”

TRAC said it will boost its efforts to accommodate the influx of traffic between the two countries and three provinces during this weekend, and that its patrol units will also be on full alert throughout this period, conducting multiple daily patrols to remain proactive in keeping the road safe and clear for all road users.

To accommodate the flow of traffic, all roadworks will be suspended for the long weekend, however, construction sites will still be deemed active on this route.

The Witness reports the N3 Toll Concession is urging motorists to be on high alert this long weekend as busy traffic conditions are expected on the N3.

Expected peak traffic for southbound towards Durban

Traffic is expected to gradually increase on Thursday morning with heavy traffic expected between 14:00 to 16:00. These busy conditions are expected to continue on Friday from early morning to noon.

Expected peak traffic for northbound towards Gauteng

The N3TC expects an increase on Easter Monday, April 1. Expected volumes are predicted to peak at around 2 000 vechicles per hour during the course of the day.

With schools reopening on April 3, Tuesday, April 2 may be busier than usual on the N3 toll route as leisure travellers make their way home.

The N3TC said it has deployed safety measures and its road incident management system (RIMS).

Motorists should also expect high blue light visibility for the duration of the long weekend with additional law enforcement resources, including K9 and highway patrol units.

Public and private sector emergency rescue teams, disaster management teams, medical services, as well as fire and towing services will be stationed along the N3 toll route.

N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo

Die Pos reports peak periods on this route, especially around the Pumulani and Carousel toll plazas, are expected between 12:00 and 20:00 on 28 and 29 March for northbound routes, and 1 April for southbound routes.

Solomon Kganyago, COO at Sanral, encourages motorists to plan their journey ahead of time and try to avoid traveling during peak periods.

“Adhere to the speed limits, and be extra cautious and alert when approaching busy intersections and areas of high traffic volumes. Ensure your planning includes sufficient time to stop and take a break at least every two hours or after traveling for 200km during your journey. Driver fatigue occurs when motorists have not had enough time to rest before embarking on a long journey and potentially could lead to crashes and fatalities.”