The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued a notice to motorists regarding a full closure of the N3 highway from 17:00 on March 23 to 04:00 on March 25.
This closure is essential for the demolition and reconstruction of two bridges, the St James (Spine Road) Eastern Bridge structure, and the Lancaster Road Bridge, as part of the ongoing N3 road upgrades between the Westville Viaduct and the Paradise Valley Interchange.
During this period, the eastern bridge structure of the St James Bridge will be demolished and rebuilt to accommodate the widened N3.
Simultaneously, the Lancaster Road Bridge will undergo full demolition and reconstruction to suit the expanded N3 roadway.
The closure will span 35 hours and will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic on the N3.
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Eastbound traffic will face a full closure at the M7 Farningham Ridge Interchange, with diversions onto the M7 for southbound travel and the M19 for east and northbound routes.
Light vehicles heading east can utilize the M13 (King Cetshwayo Highway).
Similarly, westbound traffic will encounter a full closure at the N2 EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction), where diversions onto the N2 will be implemented for north and southbound travel.
The ramp for N2 northbound traffic at EB Cloete Interchange will also be closed.
Additionally, St James Avenue and Harry Gwala Road will be closed in both directions at the St James Bridge (Spine Road) from 21:00 on Saturday, March 23, until 07:00 on Sunday, March 24.
All on-ramps and off-ramps at the Spine Road intersection will remain closed for the duration of the N3 closure.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), in collaboration with the contractor’s traffic accommodation team, will oversee and manage traffic during the closure period to ensure smooth operations and safety.
Key road closure timings are as follows:
– N3 Eastbound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban): 17:00 on Saturday, March 23 – 04:00 on Monday, March 25.
– N3 Westbound (Durban to Pinetown): 17:00 on Saturday, March 23 – 04:00 on Monday, March 25.
– St James Avenue and Harry Gwala Road (at St James Bridge): 21:00 on Saturday, March 23 – 07:00 on Sunday, March 24.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow diversions and traffic management instructions to minimize disruptions.
