Durban, 24 June 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary road closures on the N3 East and Westbound Carriageways for the removal of the temporary pedestrian bridge at Langford. The closures will take place on the evening of 27 June 2026.

“This work forms part of a major national road network upgrade that is being undertaken throughout the province to relieve traffic congestion and improve road safety,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 East bound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) carriageway closure:
• From 20h00 to 22h00, Saturday 27 June 2026 at M7 Farningham Ridge Interchange. Traffic will be diverted onto the M7. Heavy vehicles traveling South are encouraged to make use of the M7. Heavy vehicles traveling East and North are encouraged to make use of the M19. The M13 (King Cetshwayo highway) is available for light vehicles travelling towards Durban.
• N3 West bound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) carriageway closure:
• From 22h00 to 24h00 (midnight), Saturday 27 June 2026 at St James Avenue (Pavillion) Interchange, exit 13. Traffic will be diverted on to St James Ave and Harry Gwala Rd. Motorists travelling West are encouraged to take the M7, M13 or M19 from the N2 instead of approaching St James Avenue on the N3 to avoid congestion and potential delays.

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, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 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 vehicles are also encouraged to use the M13.

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

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 East Bound Closures (Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• The full closure of the N3 will take place at the M7 Farningham Ridge Interchange. Heavy vehicles traveling South are encouraged to make use of the M7. Heavy vehicles travelling East and North are encouraged to make use of the M19. The M13 (King Cetshwayo highway) is available for light vehicles travelling East.
• The M13 Ramp onto the N3 Eastbound at Paradise Valley Interchange will be closed.

N3 West Bound Closures (Durban to Pietermaritzburg):

• The full closure will take place at the St James Avenue (Pavilion) Interchange, exit 13. All N3 west bound traffic will be diverted onto St James Ave and Harry Gwala Road as the final point of diversion for traffic. Motorists travelling West (inland) are encouraged to take the M7, M13 or M19 from the N2 instead of approaching St James Avenue on the N3 to avoid congestion and potential delays.
• There will be full closure of the on ramp onto the N3 from St James Avenue/Harry Gwala Rd. Traffic will remain on St James Ave and directed to join the M13.

“SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long term traffic congestion in the area. We appeal to motorists to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through 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 Lowe.

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 pressoffice@nra.co.za