The N3 is going to be a no-go zone between Westville and Paradise Valley later this weekend, 23 August 2025 to 25 August 2025, as SANRAL takes down the Langford Road bridge.
According to SANRAL, a full closure of the N3 in both directions will take place between St James Avenue and the M7 Farningham Ridge Interchange from 16:30 on Saturday, 23 August 2025, until 05:00 on Monday, 25 August 2025.
The closure is part of the ongoing N3 upgrades, and a temporary steel pedestrian bridge will be installed to accommodate foot traffic while a new bridge is built.
How it will affect truckers and motorists:
Southbound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban): Heavy vehicles are urged to use the M7, while trucks heading East or North should divert via the M19. The M13 will be available for light vehicles. The M13 ramp onto the N3 Eastbound at Paradise Valley will also be shut.
Northbound (Durban to Pinetown): The closure kicks in at Ext 13 (St James Avenue), with traffic diverted onto St James Avenue and Harry Gwala Road. The on-ramp from Harry Gwala Road to the N3 will be closed too, with traffic directed back to the M13.
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Truckers are strongly advised to delay trips, use staging areas, or plan alternative routes to avoid being caught up in the expected gridlock. Public transport operators have also been urged to brief their drivers on the detours to minimise commuter chaos.
Emergency services and light vehicles are encouraged to use alternative routes.
SANRAL apologised for the inconvenience but stressed that the closures are necessary for both safety and the successful completion of the N3 upgrades.
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