The N3 Toll Route is completely blocked by trucks on both directions at Van Reenen Pass. This as the truck driver protest continues.
Truck drivers are protesting against the government’s inaction in addressing the issue of foreign driver employment in the trucking industry amongst other reasons.
The South African truck drivers have also been blocking the N12 at Bloemhof for the past two days.
On the first day of the protest, the truck drivers blockaded the N3 at Reitz, between Warden and Villiers, but they were quickly dispersed and traffic started flowing.
Two days later, today, on Youth Day June 16, holidaymakers who wanted to connect between Johannesburg and Durban found the N3 closed at Van Reenen pass.
At Tugela Toll gate, only trucks were allowed to pass on the northbound lanes and other vehicles were being redirected.
Law enforcement authorities are on scene.
KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is currently directing northbound traffic off the N3 at the Colenso/Frere interchange.
Alternative routes
– R74 Winterton/Bergville/Harrismith
– R34/N11 – Vrede/New Castle/Ladysmith
– R23 – via Heidelberg/Standerton/Volksrust/Ladysmith
SA Trucker advises truckers to avoid these alternative routes to avoid congestion and a chance of another blockade.
N3TC recommends that road users delay their trips to area. Heavy traffic congestion and delays may be experienced in both directions on the N3 Toll Route.
SA Trucker advises transporters to park their trucks at the nearest truck stop and avoid the area.
For traffic updates, to report problems or to get emergency assistance, contact N3TC via its 24-hour #N3Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or folllow @N3Route on Twitter.
