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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL Rolls Out Rebate for Frequent Users Between Umtentweni & Oribi Plaza Local Ramps During R102 Bridge Closure

Pietermaritzburg, 7 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of a significant measure being implemented to support local communities during the closure of the uMzimkhulu River Bridge on the R102 in KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast.

Following the bridge’s temporary closure for critical repairs, traffic has been diverted to the N2 national route via the Oribi Toll Plaza. To reduce the financial impact on regular commuters now rerouted through the toll road, SANRAL is introducing a 100% Frequent User Rebate which is a temporary waiver of toll fees for eligible motorists, travelling the N2 between Oribi toll plaza and the Umtentweni Southern on-and off-ramps (Rethman Drive Interchange). This initiative follows a request by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr. Siboniso Duma, to the Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and has been formally gazetted under Government Gazette No. 52557, Volume 718, dated 23 April 2025.

“This rebate is part of SANRAL’s ongoing commitment to prioritising the needs of road users during infrastructure upgrades. We understand the toll that detours can place on everyday commuters, and this relief measure is aimed directly at alleviating that burden while we ensure critical infrastructure is safely restored.” said Dudley Mbambo, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head.

Key Details of the Temporary Toll Rebate

• Effective Period: From 00h00 on 8 May 2025 to 23h59 on 30 September 2025, or until the completion of the R102 bridge repairs—whichever comes first.
• Eligibility: Open to registered SANRAL Frequent User account holders in good standing.
• Requirements: Vehicles must be registered and fitted with valid SANRAL electronic toll tags and be registered as a frequent user on the Oribi toll system.
• Applicable Route: The rebate applies to travel in both directions on the N2 South Coast Toll Road, between the Oribi Northern Local Toll Ramp Plaza and the Umtentweni Southern on-/off-ramps (Rethman Drive Interchange).

“To assist the community in accessing the rebate, SANRAL is enhancing its registration and support infrastructure in the area. “We are deploying mobile and self-service facilities to ensure that every eligible user has the opportunity to benefit from this rebate with minimal inconvenience. Our teams are committed to being on the ground, ready to help residents update their accounts, get tagged, register as frequent user and travel toll-free during this disruption,” said Mbambo.

Mobile Payment Terminals (7–14 May 2025):

• Hibberdene Pick ‘n Pay (Roof-top Parking)
• Ray Nkonyeni Library (Main Parking Lot)

Operating Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 09:00–18:00
• Saturday & Sunday: 09:00–12:00

Self-Service Terminals (SSTs):

• Available 24/7 at Oribi Plaza.
• Additional SST locations to be announced.
• Toll House Assisted Support:
• Monday–Friday: 08:00–16:30

“The 100% rebate is a temporary suspension of normal toll fees and will expire upon completion of the R102 bridge repairs or at the end of the stated period. Thereafter, the standard Frequent User Discount will resume, in line with Government Gazette No. 52073, Volume 716, published on 7 February 2025. We strongly encourage all frequent users in the region to ensure their accounts are current and their vehicles are correctly tagged to fully benefit from this initiative,” said Mbambo.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

ASHBURTON DEMOLITION WILL RESULT IN FULL ROAD CLOSURE OF N3

Pietermaritzburg, 16 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the full closure of N3 national road from 9 May 2025 at 20h00 until 11 May 2025 at 05h00 to facilitate the demolition of the Ashburton bridge.

“Full closures will take place at Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges with both the North bound and South bound traffic being unable to access the N3 during said times. The closures are due to the demolition of the Ashburton bridge on the N3 North and South Bound as part of the N3 construction process. The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103.” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The full road closures will take place as follows:

09 May 2025:

20h00 to 00h00 – Close N3 and proceed to demolish the Ashburton (Pope Ellis Drive) bridge

10 May 2025

00h00 to 00h00 (full 24 hours) – complete N3 road closure for continued demolition of the Ashburton (Pope Ellis Drive) bridge

11 May 2025

00h00 to 05h00 – Complete demolition, clean and reopen the N3 to all traffic

Note that Pope Ellis Drive will remain open to traffic during the demolition, although it will be under stop/go traffic control.

The available alternative routes are:

1. Northbound Traffic (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) exit N3 at Lynnfield (Lion Park) off ramp onto the R103. Continue on the R103 to rejoin the N3 at Market Road Interchange.
2. Southbound Traffic (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) exit N3 at Market Road off ramp onto Market Road and the R103. Continue on the R103 to rejoin the N3 at Lynnfield (Lion Park) Interchange.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on the weather conditions on the day. SANRAL will keep the travelling public updated on progress and changes to the above through further media statements.

“Significant delays are likely to be experienced as the R103 cannot handle the same traffic volumes as the N3. Motorists, especially heavy goods vehicles, are urged to reschedule their trips to avoid traveling during the closure. If travel is unavoidable, please allow enough extra time to account for the delays. SANRAL wishes to apologize to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused,” said Lowe.

Motorists are urged to be patient while driving along the alternative routes, to plan and adjust their route trips ahead of time and to adhere to signage and speed limits.

Demolition Location

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES:

FIGURE 1: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR BLASTING.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

30th April 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff on the 6th May 2025 at 12h00.

The blasting will take place at approximately 2,9 KM and 16 KM from Mount Frere when travelling towards Mount Ayliff.

The road will be closed during the blast for a maximum of 30 Minutes.

Motorists travelling From Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: –

• Exit the N2 at the Matatiele to Mount Flecther route or via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same route.

The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

2 Alternative routes
Alternative route no 1 – N2 at Matatiele to Mount Flecther route

Alternative route no 2- via Flagstaff, Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Slang bridge (crossing the Orange River) closed to light vehicles due to high river levels

Upington, 5 May 2025 – The Slang bridge crossing the Orange River is currently closed to all light motor vehicles due to rising river levels in the area, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. Only trucks and SUVs are permitted to cross the bridge at this time.

“The water level at the bridge remains high and poses a risk to smaller vehicles. We have implemented this measure purely in the interest of road user safety,” said Emile Du Preez, SANRAL’s Northern Cape Provincial Head.

Motorists in light vehicles are advised to use an alternative route. The detour turns off at km 11 on Section 11 of the R27, and reconnects with the road between Groblershoop and Upington, passing through Lennertsville.

SANRAL is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should conditions change.

SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience and urges all road users to travel with caution.

//Ends

MEDIA ALERT

EASTERN CAPE TRANSPORT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY MEC TO LEAD SANRAL CLOSING CEREMONY OF PORT ST JOHNS LEGACY PROJECT

Gqeberha, 05 May 2025 – Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, will lead a closing ceremony of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) Port St Johns Legacy Project on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

MEC Nqatha will be accompanied by the O.R. Tambo District Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana; Port St Johns Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo; SANRAL Board and senior executives, traditional leaders, as well as leaders of local organised business.

The Port St Johns Legacy Project is one of SANRAL’s ongoing endeavours that not only ensures that local communities benefit from its road construction projects at inception through job creation opportunities and skills development, but one that also ensures that they benefit through developmental projects that go beyond road construction, long after road construction projects have been completed.

The Port St Johns Legacy Project focused on uplifting local communities in agriculture and tourism, two key economic drivers in Port St Johns. The agricultural component of the project equipped local farmers in a learnership programme with skills and knowledge to produce vegetables and learn about basic farming skills.

The tourism component, on the other hand, equipped learners with a particular focus on grass weaving and basketry, currently Port St Johns popular products. The legacy project assisted local artists and crafters with additional skills and knowledge to develop such products.

The details of the closing and certificate handover ceremony are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: Port St Johns Sports Field (Location: https://maps.google.com/?q=-31.623486,29.544075)
RSVP or enquiries: Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305/ MahlaselaL@nra.co.za or Makhaya Komisa on 066 381 8259.

Members of the media are invited to attend.
-ENDS-

MEDIA ALERT

SANRAL to Engage Msukaligwa Community and SMMEs on Upcoming R2.7 billion N2 Construction Project

Pretoria, 02 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), invites members of the media to attend the Taking SANRAL to the people of Msukaligwa Local Municipality stakeholder engagement session.
The session will provide an opportunity for SANRAL to unpack sub-contracting and job opportunities available to SMMEs on the upcoming N2 road construction project, as well as share updates on its routine road maintenance (RRM) projects in the area. This engagement forms part of SANRAL’s commitment to transformation and inclusive growth by ensuring that local businesses benefit from infrastructure projects.

The details of the session are as follows:

Date: Monday, 05 May 2025Time: 10h00 – 14h30
Venue: Ella de Bruyn Hall, Ermelo
RSVP: Lerato Moloi on 067 598 3456 or moloil@nra.co.za

Members of the media are invited to attend.

 

//Ends
Issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Commencement of Construction of the N2 Sheffield Interchange

Pietermaritzburg, 30 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of the start of construction activities on the N2 national road in the Sheffield area. The project includes roadworks adjacent to both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the N2 near Provincial Road 228 (P228), as well as the completion of roadworks on the P228 between the interchange ramps.

‘The N2 Sheffield Interchange will introduce new south-facing on- and off-ramps, easing pressure on nearby interchanges, improving overall traffic flow, and providing smoother access to the greater Sheffield Beach area.” said SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Traffic Engineer, Justice Chauke.

Traffic and Safety Information:

• The N2 will remain fully open to traffic throughout the construction period.
• There will be a temporary single-lane closure on the P228 bridge to facilitate the erection of a cantilever pedestrian sidewalk structure. The specific timing of this closure will be communicated in advance.
• Full traffic accommodation plans are in place. Safety signage and barriers have already been installed to guide motorists through the construction zones.
• Speed limits have been reduced in the construction areas to ensure the safety of both workers and road users.

SANRAL urges all motorists to adhere to posted signs and exercise caution while traveling through the affected areas.

“We thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we carry out this essential project, which will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve transport infrastructure in the long term,” said Chauke.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary night-time road closures on N3 East bound between St James Avenue & EB Cloete Interchange.

Pietermaritzburg, 24 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) informs road users of temporary night-time road closures on the N3 East Bound carriageway (Durban bound) between St James Avenue Interchange and the EB Cloete Interchange. This is to allow for the placement of beams and staging over the East Bound (Durban bound) carriageway as part of ongoing bridge construction work in the area.

“While construction continues on the upgrade of the EB Cloete Interchange and surrounding bridges, this closure is necessary to safely complete the installation of overhead beam staging for the construction of the new Rockdale Avenue bridge,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

N3 East Bound (Durban bound) Carriageway Closures:

• From 20:00, Tuesday, 29 April 2025 to 04:00, Wednesday, 30 April 2025
• From 20:00, Wednesday, 30 April 2025 to 04:00, Thursday, 1 May 2025

Please note that the East Bound (Durban bound) carriageway will be closed on two consecutive nights however, the West Bound (Pietermaritzburg bound) will remain fully open.

“The road closures form part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along both the N2 and N3 corridors. 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 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 routes,” added Lowe. 2

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.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 East Bound Closures (traveling from Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• N3 East Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange
• N3 off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open
• N3 onramps from Westville and the Pavilion to Durban both closed

SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 4305 pressoffice@nra.co.za