SANRAL announces full closure of the N3 national road from 9 May

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed that the N3 highway near Ashburton will be closed in both directions from the evening of 9 May to the early morning of 11 May. This is to allow for the demolition of the Ashburton (Pope Ellis Drive) bridge as part of ongoing road construction along the vital transport corridor.

Full closure of the N3 national road and traffic diversions

The complete shutdown of the N3 will begin at 20:00 on Friday, 9 May and continue until 5:00 on Sunday, 11 May. During this period, no vehicles will be able to access the N3 between the Lynnfield (Lion Park) and Market Road interchanges.

“Full closures will take place at Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges with both the North bound and South bound traffic being unable to access the N3 during said times,” explained Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

“The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103.”

Alternative Routes and Travel Advice

To accommodate the disruption, SANRAL advises motorists to use the R103 as an alternative route. Northbound traffic from Durban to Pietermaritzburg should exit at Lynnfield and follow the R103 to rejoin the N3 at Market Road. Southbound traffic from Pietermaritzburg to Durban should exit at Market Road and reconnect to the N3 via Lynnfield.

Pope Ellis Drive will remain open during the demolition, but will operate under stop/go traffic control. SANRAL warns that significant delays are expected, particularly for vehicles with heavy goods.

“Significant delays are likely to be experienced as the R103 cannot handle the same traffic volumes as the N3,” Lowe cautioned.

“Motorists, especially heavy goods vehicles, are urged to reschedule their trips to avoid traveling during the closure.”

Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead

Additionally, with traffic volumes expected to exceed the capacity of the R103, SANRAL encourages all road users to plan ahead, adjust routes, and adhere to all signage and speed limits.

“SANRAL wishes to apologise to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused,” Lowe added.

Will the planned upgrades along the N3 ultimately improve road safety and traffic flow in the region?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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