Overnight N3 closure between Midlands Mall and Cedara to see trucks stacked

Motorists and truckers using the N3 through Pietermaritzburg are advised of a full road closure between the Armitage Road interchange (Midlands Mall) and the Cedara interchange to allow for luminance testing of newly installed lighting.

South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) confirmed that the closure forms part of final quality checks as the lighting project nears completion. According to SANRAL KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer Jason Lowe, the testing is a critical step to ensure the system delivers improved visibility and safety for all road users.

The closure will take place from 20:00 on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, until 04:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2026. During this period, traffic will be diverted via the R103 where applicable.

What drivers need to know

Northbound traffic (Durban to Johannesburg):

• The N3 will be fully closed at Exit 82, Armitage Road (Midlands Mall)
• Light motor vehicles under 8 tonnes will be diverted via Old Howick Road (R103) to rejoin the N3 at Cedara
• Heavy motor vehicles over 8 tonnes will be stopped and held at a designated staging area on the N3
• Town Bush Road onramp, Peter Brown onramp and the Hilton interchange will be closed

Southbound traffic (Johannesburg to Durban):

• Full closure at Exit 96, Cedara interchange
• Light vehicles under 8 tonnes will divert via Cedara Road and Old Howick Road (R103), looping through Athlone Circle, Montgomery Drive and Town Bush Road before rejoining the N3 at Midlands Mall
• Heavy vehicles over 8 tonnes will again be staged and held on the N3
• Cedara onramp and the Hilton interchange near Hilton Life Hospital will be closed

SANRAL says traffic accommodation plans will be fully implemented with assistance from RTI and Umgeni Traffic. Truck operators are urged to delay trips or find suitable staging areas to avoid congestion. The agency warned that timings may change if weather conditions do not allow for testing, in which case an updated notice will be issued.

Road users are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.