TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Changes in Traffic Accommodation on the N3 between Cato Ridge and Umlaas Road

Pietermaritzburg, 17 January 2025 – Construction on the new wider southbound carriageway of the N3 has been proceeding well and the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will soon open this carriageway to accommodate traffic. The southbound traffic will be switched from contraflow on the northbound carriageway onto the two slow lanes (outer lanes) of the newly
constructed southbound carriageway between Cato Ridge Interchange and Umlaas Road, SANRAL has announced.

“This is required to complete the construction of the median barrier and the street lighting. The switchover is intended to take place at night from 7pm on Thursday, 30 January 2025 until 5am on Friday, 31 January 2025. The northbound traffic will not be affected by this traffic switch and will continue using the lanes currently in use. Two lanes will be available in each direction until the completion of the works in the median,” said SANRAL Project Manager, Thabiso Dladla.

“This switchover will eliminate the chicanes currently in place at Cato Ridge Interchange and near Umlaas Road for the southbound traffic and will lead to safer traveling conditions. The speed limit along the route remains at 80km/hr to improve safety to the construction team and road users. Motorists are requested not to exceed the speed limit as slow-moving construction traffic need to
enter, and exit, the working area in the median (both directions),” said Dladla.

Future night time lane closures can still be expected to allow the contractors to maintain the road and chiefly to remove any litter that may end up hampering the surface runoff drainage. Delays can be expected at these times due to a reduced number of lanes. Media releases will be issued ahead of time, warning of these closures to allow motorists to plan their trips.

SANRAL apologises to motorists for any inconvenience caused during the switchover. “We appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and travelling through
the construction site” said Dladla.

ENDS