Winter is here, and with a cold front approaching, the N3 Toll Concession has warned travellers to be prepared for inclement weather and possibly, some dangerous road conditions.
As the icy grip of winter settles, a large cold front is set to hit KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. N3TC and the related N3 Toll Route Emergency services, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams are gearing up to ensure safety of road users, should conditions along the route become treacherous.
According to several weather reports, Newcastle will experience a maximum temperature of 12 degrees and a very chilly minimum of – 3 degrees on Friday.
The cold front will be accompanied by strong winds, and snowfall can be expected in the high lying areas.
WeatherSA has warned road users and officials to be prepared for very cold and wet conditions, which could cause icy road surfaces in Van Reenen’s Pass between Thursday June 5 and Sunday June 8.
If required, sections of the N3 route may be closed to traffic if conditions are too dangerous, and the area deemed inaccessible in the interests of the safety of the emergency response teams and motorists.
In a final appeal, N3TC requests that the general traveling public be aware of road conditions and choose appropriate times to travel. Be cognisant of weather warnings and the need for the possibility of associated closures; make sure that you are prepared before departure and pack extra blankets, food and refreshments in your vehicle in the event of a lengthy closure. Taking care of your driver’s or family’s wellbeing is essential. Be prepared and heed warnings.
Road users can confirm the status of travel conditions with N3TC’s 24-hour Customer Careline on 0800 N3 Help (0800 63 4357) or get real-time traffic updates by following N3TC on Twitter: @N3Route.
Residents could very well wake up on Saturday to some snow. Get your winter cloaks out, put on an extra pair of socks and, if it snows, and let’s see who can build the best snowman.
