Major road closures on the N3 for important construction work

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced significant temporary road closures on the N3 Eastbound Carriageway at the M7 Pinetown off-ramp and the N3 Westbound Carriageway at the St James Avenue off-ramp. This action is part of an essential upgrade to the N3 aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along this vital route.

According to Jason Lowe, KwaZulu-Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer at SANRAL, “These closures are to facilitate the placing of bridge beams on the Langford Road bridge as part of the construction process for the N3 road upgrade between Westville Viaduct and Paradise Valley Interchange.”

The temporary road closures are set to occur at various times from December 6 to 9, impacting traffic movements. Motorists should take note of the following schedule:

• Closure 1: Fast and middle lane closures on both East and Westbound carriageways from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, December 6. Slow lanes will remain open.
• Closure 2: Full closure of the Eastbound carriageway from 8pm on Saturday, December 6 to 5am on Sunday, December 7 Traffic will be diverted via the M7 interchange off-ramp to the M7 South, M13 East/West, or M19 North during this period.
• Closure 3: Fast and middle lane closures on both East and Westbound carriageways from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, December 7. Slow lanes will remain open.
• Closure 4: Full closure of both carriageways from 8pm on Sunday, December 7 to 5am on Monday, December 8. Eastbound traffic will be diverted via the M7 interchange off-ramp, while Westbound traffic should divert via the N2 at EB Cloete (Spaghetti junction) or at St James Avenue interchange (Pavilion off-ramp).
• Closure 5: Fast and middle lane closures on both East and Westbound carriageways from 11am to 2pm on Monday, December 8. Slow lanes will remain open.
• Closure 6: Full closure of the Westbound carriageway from 8pm on Monday, December 8 to 5am on Tuesday, December 9. Westbound traffic should divert via the N2 at EB Cloete or at St James Avenue interchange (Pavilion off-ramp).

These closures are implemented with safety as a priority for both road users and the construction crew. In light of this, SANRAL encourages truck and heavy vehicle operators to consider postponing their trips during this period, or to find alternative staging areas. Public transport services are also urged to inform drivers about the route changes affecting their operations.

“SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience of these closures and appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through the construction work zones,” said Lowe, highlighting the agency's commitment to maintaining safety and minimising disruption.

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