TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES OF THE N3 AND RAMPS AT THE EB CLOETE INTERCHANGE FOR THE THAMES PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DEMOLITION

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES OF THE N3 AND RAMPS AT THE EB CLOETE INTERCHANGE FOR THE THAMES PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DEMOLITION

Durban, 21 July 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists of temporary closures on the Ramps on EB Cloete Interchange and N3 freeway to allow for the safe demolition of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge and associated infrastructure works near the EB Cloete Interchange. The closures are part of SANRAL’s upgrade works at the EB Cloete Interchange and surrounding freeway network.

“SANRAL remains committed to minimizing disruption wherever possible and ensuring all construction activities meet the highest safety standards. These temporary closures are necessary to facilitate work that supports the long-term expansion of the N2 and N3, including the removal of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge and preparation of deep foundation structures,” said Corné Roux, SANRAL KwaZulu- Natal Project Manager.

The public is urged to take note of the details below and plan their routes in advance.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS & TIMES

1.N3 Westbound; Durban to Pinetown– Full Closure of the N3 as well as the N3 Westbound Ramp; from N2 Northbound (Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)

Between EB Cloete Interchange and Spine Road / St James Avenue Off-Ramp.

From 18:00 on Saturday 26 July 2025, to 09:00 on Sunday 27 July 2025

  • This closure is required for the safe demolition of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge structure that spans the N3 corridor. This route for the N3 westbound will be fully reopened once the area has been cleared of all debris and is safe for traffic.

2.N3 Eastbound; Pinetown to Durban, as well as the Loop Ramps from Westville to Durban, also Spine Road to Durban – Full Closure

Immediately after Spine Road / St James Avenue Off-Ramp from the N3.

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • Full 24-hour closure of this route is required to support bridge removal and associated protection works

3.N2 Southbound (Umhlanga to N3 Westbound Pinetown) – Ramp Closure

Closure at Spaghetti Junction – Ramp to N3 Pinetown.

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18h00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • This closure will also allow for deep excavation and foundational works beneath the freeway in preparation for infrastructure construction for the bridge upgrade programme.

This initiative forms part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along the N3 corridor.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routes.

A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

N3 Westbound Closures (Durban to Pinetown)

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 09:00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • N3 Westbound fully closed at EB Cloete Interchange (aka “Spaghetti Junction”)
  • N2 Northbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Durban to Umhlanga)
  • N2 Southbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Durban to Amanzimtoti)

N2 Northbound Closures (Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 09:00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • N3 Westbound off-ramp closed (coming from Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)
  • N3 Eastbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Amanzimtoti to Durban)
  • The N2 North and South mainlines will remain open

N3 Eastbound Closures (Pinetown to Durban)

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • N3 Eastbound to Durban fully closed at the St James/Spine Road Interchange
  • The N3 off-ramp to Westville will remain open at the St James/Spine Road Interchange

N2 Southbound Closure (Umhlanga to Pinetown)

From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18h00, Sunday 27 July 2025

  • N2 Southbound off-ramp to the N3 Pinetown closed
  • The N2 North and South mainlines will remain open
  • N2 Southbound off-ramp to the N3 to Durban will remain open
  • Motorists travelling south from the North Coast to Pinetown before 09:00 on Sunday 27 July 2025, can use the off-ramp to the N3 to Durban (at the Spaghetti Junction) and take the off-ramp to Sherwood, head south on the M13 and then take the N3 on-ramp at Sherwood to Pinetown. Alternatively, take the M19 from Umgeni Interchange to Pinetown.

“SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” added Roux.