TRAFFIC ADVISORY
N3 full closure to facilitate blasting between Ashburton offramp and Market Road
Pietermaritzburg, 30 October 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform the public of the planned full road closure of the N3 to facilitate blasting next to the existing Ashburton Overpass Bridge. This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 Section 3 Upgrade Project from Market Road and the Ashburton offramp.
The closure will take place on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 between 14h30 and 15h00.
The Pope Ellis Drive at the Ashburton intersection and the R103 to Ashburton interchange will also be closed during this time as they are in the vicinity of the blasting activities.
Below are the times for the planned full road closures (Tuesday, 5 November):
14h30 to 14h45: Close N3 and other listed roads, and blast
14h45 to 14h55: Clean up any debris on all roads
14h55 to 15h00: Final Road Safety Inspection
15h00 : Reopen N3 and other listed roads for all vehicles
Traffic will be directed via the R103 route and allowed to take the Market Road offramp to the N3 Mainline as an alternative route during the blast. Substantial delays may however be experienced as the N3 will be closed during the period of the blast.
“The contractor’s traffic accommodation team, with support from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will oversee traffic management activities throughout the blasting activity,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.
The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. A second notice with updated information of the new time will be issued should that be necessary.
“Motorists are advised to plan and adjust their routes for the duration of the closure and encourages adherence to the rules of the road. SANRAL appreciates your patience throughout the ongoing major road enhancements,” said Lowe.
Blasting Locations:
Km 3+800 North Bound Between Ashburton and Market Road.
Alternative Routes:
Figure 1: Alternative Route for Blasting.
NOTE: Ashburton/Pope Ellis will be closed for blasting, traffic will be directed via the R103 route. The traffic will be allowed to take the Market Road offramp to the N3 Mainline as shown in Figure 1 above in red.
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