Pietermaritzburg, 25 June 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists travelling on the N3 national road between Mariannhill Toll Plaza Section 1 (km 25.0) and Key Ridge Section 2 (km 2.8) that traffic disruptions are expected as major construction and upgrading works on the route get underway.
The R6 billion project, which forms part of SANRAL’s strategic programme to improve the country’s key freight and mobility corridor, is expected to take 60 months to complete. Contract SANRAL N.003-012-2017/1 covers the upgrade of an 11.1 kilometre section of the N3 and is being managed through SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial office in Pietermaritzburg.
Prior to the commencement of construction, SANRAL undertook a three-month mobilisation period that included project planning, stakeholder engagement, and procurement processes aimed at facilitating the participation of targeted enterprises and local communities.
“Motorists and road users are advised that the impact of the construction on traffic will be significant. While every effort will be made to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow within the project limits, road users should anticipate delays and plan their journeys accordingly.” said Nondumiso Mabaso, SANRAL’s Kwazulu-Natal Project Manager.
“We urge motorists to be aware that the impact of the construction on traffic will be significant. While every effort will be made to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow within the project limits, road users should anticipate delays and plan their journeys accordingly. To prioritise the safety of both construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced to 40km/h for heavy vehicles and 60km/h for light motor vehicles during construction. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and to make provision for the additional travel time,” added Mabaso.
Traffic accommodation measures will be implemented immediately and will remain in place for the duration of construction. In the event of major incidents within the work zone, traffic will be diverted safely via alternative routes. SANRAL appeals to road users to obey all advance warning signs, speed restrictions and instructions from traffic management personnel when travelling through the construction zone. During the contractor’s annual December/January shutdown period, a minimum two-way traffic flow will be maintained at all times within the project limits.
Work to be carried out on the 11.1 km stretch of the N3 route will include:
- Accommodation of traffic throughout the construction period.
- Widening and upgrading of the existing N3 carriageways.
- Construction and rehabilitation of road pavement layers.
- Construction of two new launched viaduct bridges and drainage structures.
- Stormwater improvements, including pipe crossings, subsurface drainage systems, concrete and earth drains.
- Construction of earthworks, including cuttings and fills.
- Construction of concrete median barriers between carriageways.
- Construction of retaining walls and Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls.
- Construction of major culverts.
- Road signs, road markings, road studs, guardrails, and security fencing.
- Electrical works and public lighting upgrades.
- Landscaping and rehabilitation of borrow pits and spoil sites.
- Relocation and accommodation of services.
- Procurement and development of targeted enterprises and local community participation.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
Traffic will be accommodated safely on alternative routes when major incidents occur within the construction zone. Motorists are encouraged to consider the following alternative routes where necessary:
- M13 and alternative provincial roads.
- N3 service roads where available.
- Local municipal roads as directed by traffic management personnel.
In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, the project incorporates enterprise and skills development initiatives designed to maximise local economic participation. Opportunities will be created for local businesses and community members residing along the N3 corridor, contributing to sustainable economic empowerment, job creation and skills transfer.
SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience associated with the construction activities and appreciates the patience and cooperation of road users. “These upgrades are essential to improving safety, mobility and the long-term capacity of one of South Africa’s most important transport corridors. We are committed to minimising disruptions as far as possible while delivering infrastructure that will benefit road users and the broader economy for decades to come,” said Mabaso.
For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za