N3 town hill

The repairs to the middle and fast lanes on the northbound carriageway on the N3 between Sanctuary Road and Link Road will now start on 24 October 2022, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

“The works to repair the slow lane, which has been underway for the last 18 months, are nearing completion. While we are happy to report that this lane will be opened to traffic soon, repairs are, however, required to the middle and fast lanes. The contractor had planned to undertake these repairs starting on 12 October 2022 but, due to circumstances beyond their control, the anticipated start date is now 24 October 2022,” said Thabiso Dladla, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Due to the site conditions and safety concerns, this work will result in the road being reduced to only one lane at night. The work will be undertaken between 19h30 and 04h00 daily for approximately five weeks, starting on 24 October 2022.

Watch: Out of control truck filmed crashing on N3 at Townhill outside Pietermaritzburg

“Traffic will be severely hampered, and motorists should plan their trips accordingly and add additional time for their travels. Officials from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will be present to assist in controlling the traffic. Motorists are warned that the repairs could result in an uneven surface and the motorists are asked to adhere strictly to all the speed restrictions while driving on the construction site,” said Dladla.

The alternate route for possible use by light motor vehicles only during this period is as follows:

Old Howick Road (R103) Motorists travelling to Howick can take the Armitage turn-off and drive along the R103 to join the N3 at the Cedara on-ramp.

All vehicles above 8-ton MAY NOT use the R103 and will have to allow extra time for the delays.

SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience caused to motorists and road users.