N3 FULL ROAD CLOSURE FROM ARMITAGE ROAD INTERCHANGE (MIDLANDS MALL) TO CEDARA INTERCHANGE

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 FULL ROAD CLOSURE FROM ARMITAGE ROAD INTERCHANGE (MIDLANDS MALL) TO CEDARA INTERCHANGE

Pietermaritzburg, 23 January 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists the full road closure of the N3 between Armitage Road interchange (Midlands Mall) and Cedara interchange for luminance testing of the lighting.

“Construction of the lighting on this portion of the N3 is nearing completion and testing the luminance levels of the lighting is an important step in ensuring the quality of this system which will substantially improve safety for all users of the road,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu Natal Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closure will take place as follows:

  • N3 Full Carriageway Closure from Armitage Road interchange (Midlands Mall) to Cedara interchange: Traffic will be diverted via interchange off ramps onto the R103 during these periods From 20:00 on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 to 04:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2026
  • The Luminance Measurement test area includes the Hilton Interchange. Access to the N3 will not be possible here.

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

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

A detailed alternative route guide is included below.

Closure Locations:

N3 North Bound (Durban to Johannesburg)

  • N3 North Bound will be fully closed at exit 82 – Armitage Road (Midlands Mall) offramp
  • Light motor vehicles under 8 tonnes will be diverted onto Old Howick Road (R103) to rejoin the N3 at Cedara interchange
  • Heavy motor vehicles over 8 tonnes will be stopped and held at the staging area on the N3 carriageway
  • Town Bush Road onramp will be closed
  • Peter Brown onramp will be closed
  • Hilton interchange will be closed at Hilton Avenue after Hilton Hotel

N3 South Bound (Johannesburg to Durban)

  • N3 South Bound will be fully closed at exit 96 – Cedara interchange
  • Light motor vehicles under 8 tonnes will be diverted onto Cedara Road (R103), down Old Howick Road to Athlone circle and then by way of Montgomery Drive and Town Bush Road to Chatterton circle and finally back onto the N3 at Armitage Road interchange (Midlands Mall)
  • Heavy motor vehicles over 8 tonnes will be stopped and held at the staging area on the N3 carriageway.
  • Cedara onramp will be closed
  • Hilton Interchange will be closed adjacent to Hilton Life Hospital

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions. If that happens, a second notice with information of the new time will be issued.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Umgeni Traffic have carefully planned these closures and will manage and monitor them for their full duration” continued Lowe.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption and have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas 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 routing. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” added Lowe.