Motorists traveling between Pietermaritzburg and Durban are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid delays and help reduce traffic congestion.
The temporary road closure of the N3 is to allow for the demolition of the existing MR385 road bridge over the freeway.
The closure will be from Friday 25 October 2019 from 20H00 to Sunday 27 October 2019 at 08h00.
Southbound traffic will be diverted at Cato Ridge, while northbound traffic will be diverted at Shongweni intersection.
National Route 3 South Bound Carriageway:
- Heavy vehicle traffic will be diverted onto the off-and-on ramps of the Hammarsdale intersection directing them through the intersection.
- Light vehicle traffic will be diverted from N3 onto the R103/Cato Ridge interchange.
National Route 3 North Bound Carriageway:
- Heavy vehicle traffic will be diverted onto the off-and-on ramps of the Hammarsdale intersection directing them through the intersection.
- Light vehicle traffic will be diverted from the N3 onto the MR551/Shongweni Interchange via MR551/MR385 to the Cato Ridge intersection.
Motorists should expect delays due to the traffic back up.
Once completed, the existing simple diamond interchange at Hammarsdale will be an upgraded semi-parclo (partial cloverleaf), free-flow interchange.
The upgraded interchange will accommodate the increased volume of traffic resulting from the development of the area as a distribution node for freight logistics companies, including the 152ha Keystone Park industrial precinct.
A new five-lane lane overpass bridge with a precast beam deck and slab has already been constructed to replace the existing bridge.
Once the interchange has been completed, lighting will be installed to ensure the whole intersection is lit at night for increased safety of both pedestrians and motorists.
