Relief and rescue operations continue in KZN
Efforts under way to clear section of the N3 between Van Reenen's Pass and Swinburne (Montrose) in KZN
There are ongoing efforts this (Sunday) morning to reopen roads blocked by snow in parts of KZN since Friday.
While some routes that had been blanketed by snow, trapping many motorists, have been cleared – the N3 Van Reenan’s Pass remains closed to incoming traffic until further notice.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Heavy snow closes major KZN routes
This as recuse operations continue north of the pass near Montrose.
#N3TrafficAlert #RescueAndRecovery continues on #VanReenenPass. #N3TollRoute is CLOSED from TUGELA PLAZA to HARRISMITH. #LightMotorVehicles are being escorted towards KZN. #Trucks are stacked on scene. #FollowSafetyInstructions #RemainPatientAndVigilant pic.twitter.com/RbvadtyKWa
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024
08h30 22/09 #N3TrafficUpdate #RescueOperations are continuing between #VanReenen and #Swinburne (#Montrose) under extremely challenging conditions. Please #AvoidTravel between #TugelaPlaza and #Harrismith until further notice.
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has also confirmed that with the exception of the section between Van Reenen’s Pass and Swinburne (Montrose), ‘all stranded road users along the N3 Toll Route have now been assisted, and the roadway has been cleared of heavy snow’.
“Additional resources, including more graders, have also been redeployed to assist on Van Reenen’s Pass. Disaster management officials from both KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State are working tirelessly from both directions towards the top of Van Reenen’s Pass.
“As soon as this phase of the rescue operation is complete, road incident management system teams will commence with the application of a brine solution on road surfaces along the route to assist in preventing the formation of black ice,” the roads agency stated.
Free State / KZN – N3 Route (Latest): #VanReenensPass
there is a MASSIVE blockage of trucks and vehicles (jack-knifed trucks and some abandoned vehicle) between Montrose and Van Reenen Village – it is a time consuming job to turn the trucks around to move them – its literally…
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 22, 2024
07h07 22/09 #N3TrafficUpdate #Rescue and #RecoveryOperations are continuing between #VanReenen and #Swinburne/#Montrose. #LightMotorVehicles are being cleared first. #Trucks remain stacked. #ReliefAid is being provided. (02)
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024
While various authorities have been hard at work to clear the routes, relief efforts are also ongoing to assist motorists trapped for days on the N3.
Our SARCS KZN Provincial Response Team has been on the ground serving hot meals to those stranded on the N3 since 15:00 yesterday due to heavy snowfall. We’re here to provide comfort and support, no matter the weather. Stay safe and reach out if you need help! pic.twitter.com/sEyw1fjN2P
— The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) (@RedcrossSa) September 21, 2024
Thank you to all South Africans donating food, blankets, and warm beverages to all motorists stuck in the snow on the N3 ❤️❤️❤️
Indeed we are stronger together with ubuntu in moments like these
Thank you 🙏🏾
No DNA, just RSA!💫🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/DzIIxfSoOW
— 🇿🇦 iScathulo SePhara 👞 (@ISephara) September 21, 2024
TRAFFIC ALERT:
KZN / Mpumalanga – N11 Route: ROAD OPEN between Ladysmith and Volksrust – very misty through Majuba Pass #SNOW pic.twitter.com/QCfwtm1xdT
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 22, 2024
– N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle OPEN
– N11 AMAJUBA PASS OPEN
– R33 – Vryheid to Dundee OPEN but water damping on the road at Cotswold
– R34 – Newcastle to Memel *OPEN *
– R34 – Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid OPEN
– R33 – Vryheid to Paulpietersburg OPEN
– R34 – Vryheid to Melmoth OPEN
– R69 – Vryheid to Pongola OPEN
– N2 – Richardsbay to Piet Retief OPEN
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