SANRAL Announces Overnight N3 Closure Between Cato Ridge and Umlaas

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform motorists of the full closure of the N3 between Cato Ridge and Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange from Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 20:00 until Thursday, 19 June 205 at 04:30 am for luminance testing of the lighting.

“Construction of this portion of the N3 is nearing completion and testing the luminance levels of the newly installed lighting system is an important step in ensuring the quality of this system which will substantially improve safety for all users of the road,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.

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The permanent road closure will take place as follows

• N3 Full Carriageway Closure from Cato Ridge interchange to Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange

Traffic will be diverted via interchange off ramps (northbound – exit 53 Cato Ridge/R103 and southbound – exit 61 R603/Umlaas Road) during these periods.

• From 20:00 to 04:30 on Wednesday 18 June 2025

Should the testing on 18 June 2025 be affected by poor weather, it will instead take place on 19 June 2025 over the same time period.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans will be in place. All road users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual. A detailed alternative route guide is included below

Closure Locations

N3 North Bound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg)

• N3 North Bound fully closed at the Cato Ridge offramp (exit 53 – Cato Ridge/R103). Traffic will be diverted on the R103 and then back on to the N3 at Umlaas Road.

N3 South Bound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban)

• N3 South Bound fully closed at the Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange (exit 61 – R603/Umlaas Road) and then back onto the N3 at Cato Ridge.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption so have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion.

Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes” said, Lowe.