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.
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.
07h07 22/09 #N3TrafficUpdate #Rescue and #RecoveryOperations are continuing between #VanReenen and #Swinburne/#Montrose. #LightMotorVehicles are being cleared first. #Trucks remain stacked. #ReliefAid is being provided. (02)
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024
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.”
Free State / KZN – #SNOW Road Status Update pic.twitter.com/WaZu9dhKs8
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 22, 2024
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.”
08h30 22/09 #N3TrafficUpdate #RescueOperations are continuing between #VanReenen and #Swinburne (#Montrose) under extremely challenging conditions. Please #AvoidTravel between #TugelaPlaza and #Harrismith until further notice.
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024
KZN / Mpumalanga – N11 Route: ROAD OPEN between Ladysmith and Volksrust – very misty through Majuba Pass #SNOW pic.twitter.com/QCfwtm1xdT
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 22, 2024
Free State / KZN – #SNOW R74 Oliviershoek Pass: Harrismith to N3 via Bergville earlier this morning @tagumunetsi pic.twitter.com/ogy3CHA8OW
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 22, 2024
Our SARCS KZN Provincial Response Team has been on the ground serving hot meals to those stranded on the N3 since 15:00 yesterday due to heavy snowfall. We’re here to provide comfort and support, no matter the weather. Stay safe and reach out if you need help! pic.twitter.com/sEyw1fjN2P
— The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) (@RedcrossSa) September 21, 2024
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