Ladysmith KZN: Busy traffic conditions expected this long weekend
Travellers should expect visible policing, strict law enforcement and zero tolerance of traffic offenders
With the country now on a less restrictive Adjusted Alert Level 2 Lockdown, all indications are that local holidaymakers are gearing up to travel across provinces to the country’s various tourism destinations. “This will, of course, result in busy traffic conditions on most of the country’s major highways, including the N3 Toll Route,” warns N3TC operations manager Thania Dhoogra.
N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) manages the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a key tourism link to Mpumalanga, the Free State, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains, as well as the Midlands and many coastal towns of KwaZulu-Natal.
Although N3TC and its road safety partners are ready to welcome the expected influx of visitors, they advise leisure travellers to familiarise themselves with the route and prevailing travel conditions ahead of their departures. “Road users who are well-prepared and informed are far more likely to enjoy safe and pleasant travel experiences. Drivers who plan ahead are better able to navigate the burdens of peak traffic conditions, as they are less likely to experience frustrations or unexpected setbacks. They are generally perceived to be safer drivers,” explains Ms Dhoogra.
Emergency services and law enforcement will be on standby throughout the weekend
“Travellers should expect visible policing, strict law enforcement and zero tolerance of traffic offenders on the N3 Toll Route. The entire multi-disciplinary road incident management team will be out in full force, operating satellite stations and joint traffic checkpoints at key locations along the route,” says Ms Dhoogra.
“Private, provincial and community medical services have also joined forces and will be stationed at strategic points to provide ground- and air support, if required, during emergency situations in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Additional towing and recovery services will also be deployed on peak days to assist stranded road users.”
Peak traffic forecast
High traffic volumes are expected on Friday, September 24, from 06:00 to 12:00. Traffic volumes are expected to increase again on Sunday, September 26, in a northbound direction towards Gauteng, when the majority of holidaymakers will return to Gauteng. Volumes will increase from 06:00 and are expected to remain high throughout the day until approximately 18:00.
Weather Forecast
The current weather forecast for the N3 Toll Route is favourable, but conditions may change rapidly. Parts of the N3 are prone to sudden gusts or high winds, and mist, rain or thunderstorms.
Beware of veld fires
Most of the rural landscapes along the N3 are still very dry and can easily be set alight, causing runaway veld fires, thick smoke and dangerous travel conditions. Road users are requested to take every precaution to prevent fires and to immediately report any smoke or fires to the N3 Helpline on 0800634357
Road construction, upgrades and maintenance work
Construction activities on the N3 Toll Route will cease during the long weekend and will only resume on Monday, September 27. Apart from some lane closures that will remain in effect in certain construction zones, the rest of the route will have at least two lanes open to traffic in both directions for the duration of the weekend.
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