Emergency N3 closures to disrupt traffic between PMB and Durban
Sanral said full traffic accommodation plans will be in place to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction teams.
Motorists travelling on the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban will face temporary road closures on Wednesday night as the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) undertakes emergency work to remove a damaged bridge parapet.
The emergency closure affects both the eastbound and westbound carriageways between the M13 Paradise Valley off-ramp and the M7 Pinetown off-ramp.
ALSO READ | Which roads in KZN are currently under construction? | The Witness
Sanral’s KwaZulu-Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer, Jason Lowe, said the work forms part of the ongoing upgrade of the M13 Paradise Valley off-ramps from the N3.
“Construction continues for the upgrading of the M13 Paradise Valley off-ramps from the N3,” said Lowe.
This emergency closure is required to remove a damaged bridge parapet which has unexpectedly failed.”
The full road closure will take place from 8 pm until midnight on Wednesday.
The following road closures will take effect:
- East Bound Carriageway (Pietermaritzburg to Durban): traffic will be diverted via the N3/M7 interchange off ramp (exit 20 – M7 Pinetown)
- West Bound Carriageway (Durban to Pietermaritzburg): traffic will be diverted via the N3/M13 interchange off ramp (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley)
Sanral said full traffic accommodation plans will be in place to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction teams.
ALSO READ | Sanral announces temporary overnight closures at Market Road interchange
Truck drivers and operators of heavy vehicles are advised to delay their trips where possible, make use of suitable staging areas or consider alternative routes such as the M7, M13 or M19 to avoid congestion.
Public transport operators have also been urged to ensure drivers are aware of the temporary closures and alternative routes.
Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys and leave earlier than usual to minimise delays.
“Sanral appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital emergency measure. We appeal to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through the construction work zones,” Lowe said.
