Motorists are advised to plan for three upcoming overnight closures on the N3 over the next two months.
The closures are to facilitate upgrades on the St James Avenue Interchange (Pavilion) and are part of the wider upgrade project of the N2 and N3 from the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral).
“They are a key part of the ongoing N3 upgrade between Westville and Paradise Valley, following the partial demolition of the St James Avenue Bridge in March 2024,” said Sanral’s Eastern Region Geometrics Specialist Engineer, Jason Lowe.
The first closure will not affect the highway directly and is for one of the interchange loops, Loop E.
Loop E will be closed from 10pm-4.30am on March 17, 18, 19 and 20.
Cars will still be able to access the highway from the interchange and will be diverted to a separate ramp.
The second closure will shut down the eastbound lane of the N3 under the interchange completely.
It will take place from 10pm-4.30am on April 14, 15, 16 and 17.
Motorists will still be able to use the off ramp onto St James Avenue and can rejoin the N3 eastbound (Durban towards Pinetown) from an alternative ramp.
Trucks are specifically urged not to use the interchange during this period and should rather reroute via the M7 or M19.
The third and final closure will be on the westbound lane of the N3 under the interchange.
It will take place from 10pm-4.30am on April 24, 25, 26 and 27.
The off ramp onto St James Avenue will still be open and motorists can rejoin the N3 westbound (Pinetown towards Durban) from an alternative ramp.
Trucks are again urged to use different routes where possible.
Speed limits will also be temporarily reduced on these routes during the closures.
The closure schedule is as follows:
Loop E Closures (Harry Gwala Rd to N3 Durban), March 17, 18, 19 and 20 – 10pm-4.30am:
• Traffic will be accommodated to make a right turn at the intersection north of Loop E to join the N3 eastbound via Ramp D.
N3 East Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban), April 14, 15, 16 and 17 – 10pm-4.30am:
• N3 East Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
• Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off ramp and then back onto the N3 via
the interchange on ramp.
N3 West Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown), April 24, 25, 26 and 27 – 10pm-4.30am:
• N3 West Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
• Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off ramp and then back onto the N3 via
the interchange on ramp.
For a detailed alternative route guide, visit the Sanral N3/N2 upgrades website.
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