Busy Weekend on the N3 as Holiday Traffic Peaks and Van Reenen Roadworks Cause Delays

Truckers and motorists heading along the N3 Toll Route this weekend must brace themselves for heavy traffic and possible delays as the festive season officially winds down and schools reopen next week Wednesday.

With holidaymakers making their way back northbound towards Gauteng, traffic volumes are expected to spike, especially on Sunday, traditionally the toughest day on the road. Add ongoing construction and emergency maintenance into the mix, and it is shaping up to be a slow and patience-testing weekend, particularly for heavy vehicles.

Increased Holiday Traffic: Northbound Pressure Expected

The main pressure point will be northbound lanes towards Gauteng as the last wave of holiday traffic heads home. Congestion is likely at known bottlenecks, with truckers advised to plan trips carefully, allow extra hours, and avoid unnecessary peak-time travel where possible.

Roadworks Resume Across the N3 Corridor

N3 Toll Concession construction and route maintenance teams have resumed operations, with several lane restrictions already in place.

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KwaZulu-Natal

Roadworks are active near the Hidcote Interchange, with a single southbound lane closure towards Durban between km 59.6 and km 57.1.

Near the Midway Interchange, two-kilometre lane restrictions affect both directions:

• Northbound towards Johannesburg between km 6.3 and km 8.6 (this closure will be lifted before Sunday)
• Southbound towards Durban between km 11.5 and km 9.1, which will remain in place

KwaZulu-Natal to Free State

On Friday and Saturday, daytime single-lane closures are in effect between the Keeversfontein Interchange and Van Reenen. Northbound traffic will see left-lane closures, while southbound traffic will face right-lane closures across this section.

Emergency Maintenance on Van Reenen Pass

In addition to scheduled works, emergency maintenance is currently underway on Van Reenen Pass, between the bottom and top arrestor beds. Lane closures are affecting both northbound and southbound traffic, leading to slow-moving conditions and congestion.

Truck drivers should approach this section with extreme caution, especially given gradients, weather exposure, and reduced stopping distances.

Gauteng to Mpumalanga Section

Further north, construction continues on the southbound carriageway between the Heidelberg South Interchange and Wilge Plaza. Three short single-lane closures are active, which may still cause unexpected delays during busy periods.

Safety Comes First

N3TC COO Thania Dhoogra has urged all road users to obey temporary signage, stick to reduced speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and avoid sudden lane changes. Fatigue remains a major risk factor, especially after long holiday drives, so regular rest stops and driver changes are strongly advised.