THE N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass remained closed because of dangerous road conditions, including black ice.
SANRAL issued a statement a short while ago, saying the matter had been escalated to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and was being given the utmost priority, to ensure the safety of road users.
SANRAL and N3TC have mobilised operations to clear the snow on the affected sections of the N3, while several other emergency response teams are responding to various incidents on the road.
A full road closure remains in place between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State. Icy conditions, wet weather and poor visibility are also being reported along other sections of the route causing dangerous driving conditions from KwaZulu-Natal through the Free State, the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Traffic is being stopped at the Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith South Interchange in the Free State.
The snowfall and sudden drop in temperature are causing black ice to form, making the roads at Van Reenen’s Pass slippery. There have already been reports of trucks losing traction, especially on the uphill sections.
“Road users are advised to avoid the affected areas and delay or cancel any travel plans where possible, as more inclement weather is expected,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing.