Van Reenen’s Pass closed to traffic
Confirmation of road closures due to snowfall
Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3 has been closed, along with Oliviershoek Pass on the R74, due to heavy snowfall.
The closure of Van Reenen’s Pass was due to ice pockets that made vehicle traction difficult.
This follows the earlier closure of the N3 at Midway to all traffic heading south towards Durban.
The following statement was issued earlier by Gauteng Provincial JOC:
Heavy snowfall and extremely dangerous conditions are being reported on various routes outside of GP, with some roads now closed. Rescue services have been deployed to assist people stuck in the snow. With this weather set to continue overnight into tomorrow, we can expect further possible closures. In the interests of community safety, we urge people to please reconsider travelling out of Gauteng until conditions are better.
N3 Toll Route – Traffic Alert – Friday, September 20, at 20:00: Postpone travel to the Van Reenen’s Pass region between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Adverse weather conditions along the N3 Toll Route are causing extremely dangerous driving conditions on the N3 Toll Route. Apart from snowfall, the sudden drop in temperatures is also causing the formation of black ice. Road surfaces are slippery and reports are being received of trucks losing traction, especially on the uphills along Van Reenen’s Pass.
N3TC appeals to all road users, including trucking operators, to suspend trips to the mountainous areas between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal until further notice. In the interest of safety, it is highly likely that further traffic management interventions and/or road closures may be implemented.
Stay informed and report problems or emergencies on the N3 Toll Route by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or following @N3Route on X.
We will keep you updated as things develop.
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