N3TC warns of high traffic volumes on N3 toll route this weekend

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) company has warned motorists that busy traffic conditions may prevail on the N3 toll route this weekend as holidaymakers return towards Gauteng at the end of the school holidays.

“While traffic volumes are not expected to be as high as the end of a long-weekend, peak conditions may be experienced in a northbound direction on the N3 toll route, especially from 12 [noon] onwards on Sunday,” N3TC commercial manager Con Roux said.

N3TC manages the national toll rout between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.

“To avoid getting caught up in traffic delays road users are advised to travel outside of peak times, if possible,” he said.

Traffic volumes on the route were expected to be at its heaviest on Sunday between 12 noon and 6pm with over 1500 vehicles per hour. Busy traffic conditions, with 800 – 1500 vehicles per hour, were expected from 9am to noon and again from 6pm to 9pm on Sunday, Roux said.

Road rehabilitation and improvement projects currently underway along some sections of the N3 toll route included Cedara to Howick, where major reconstruction work was being undertaken. This was an essential long-term project which would take about 18 months to complete. In this section of the route, the truck lane was being reconstructed and the entire road would be resurfaced. Work was currently being undertaken on the southbound carriageway towards Pietermaritzburg. This weekend, traffic towards Gauteng should not be affected by these road works.

Regarding the Bergville/Ladysmith interchange, at peak times delays could be expected over a short distance near the interchange as only a single lane was currently open to traffic in a northbound direction. In the Harrismith to Warden section, rehabilitation work was also being carried out which could cause traffic restrictions.

“Road users are requested to remain patient and adhere to the road signs guiding motorists through the construction area. Please allow traffic to gradually feed into the single lane so as not to create a gridlock at the approach to construction areas of the N3 toll route,” Roux said.

Slow moving traffic could put a strain on road users and their vehicles. “Should you experience any difficulties along the N3 toll route, please find a safe place to pull off the road and contact N3TC’s 24-hour emergency helpline on 0800-63-4357 (0800 N3 HELP).

“This number can also be used to obtain advance traffic information and to report any problems that may require intervention from the N3TC route patrol teams, emergency services, and/or law enforcement authorities,” Roux said.