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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

Gqeberha – 16th May 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 at 12h00 on Friday, 23 May 2025.

The blasting will take place at approximately 10,6 kilometres 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 Fletcher route or via Flagstaff and Lusikisiki to Port St Johns via the R61 and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. 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 Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

NIGHT-TIME ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 WESTVILLE TO PARADISE VALLEY INTERCHANGE

Durban, 15 March 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of temporary nighttime road closures on the N3 national road at the St James Avenue Interchange (Pavilion interchange). The nighttime closures will be done to stage and place portal beams as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded St James Avenue bridge over the N3.

“Construction continues on the upgraded St James Avenue Bridge, following its partial demolition at the end of March 2024. This closure is part of the ongoing upgrade process for the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 South Bound (Pinetown to Durban) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):

-From 22:00 to 04:30 on Tuesday, 20 May and again on each of the nights of 24, 25 and 26 May 2025 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively).

• N3 North Bound (Durban to Pinetown) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):

-From 22:00 to 04:30 on Monday, 19 May and again on each of the nights of 21, 22 and 23 May 2025 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively).

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

A detailed alternative route guide is included below.

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

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 South Bound loop onramp (Pavilion to Durban):

• Traffic will be accommodated to make a right turn onto the on ramp rather than to make us of the loop ramp.

 

N3 South Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):

• N3 South Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
• Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the on ramp

N3 North Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):

• N3 North Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
• The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.

 

 

 

Figure 1: Detour routes

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption, so we 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, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 to avoid congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes”, added Lowe.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL DOES NOT ENFORCE SPEED LIMITS ON ITS NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK

Pretoria, 13 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to put it on record that a communique that is currently being circulated, purporting to emanate from SANRAL, that the roads agency is in the process of revising speed limits and enforcing stricter laws to reduce fatalities on the country’s roads is false.

“SANRAL has a distinct mandate to manage the country’s national road network. This mandate encompasses the financing, planning, development, improvement, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the national roads, as prescribed by the SANRAL Act of 1998. The SANRAL mandate does not include any enforcement rights, be that related to speed, safety or security,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communication and Marketing.

According to the communique that is being circulated, effective from 1 July, SANRAL “Highway Law” will implement adjusted limits across South Africa’s national highway system. This will include:

• Urban roads reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h
• Rural roads adjusted from 100 km/h to 80 km/h
• Highways and national routes capped at 110 km/h, down from 120 km/h
• Heavy vehicles limited to 90 km/h on all roads, and
• School zones to have a strict 30 km/h speed limit during school hours.

“We encourage members of the public to contact SANRAL’s hotline number on 0800 204 508 or email at sanral@tip-offs.co.za if they pick up suspicious information that they pick up being circulated. We also encourage members of the media can also reach out to our press office on pressoffice@nra.co.za for further clarity,” added Mona.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL ADVISES MOTORISTS OF DRILLING WORKS ALONGSIDE N1 NATIONAL ROAD FROM OLD OAK ROAD TO KOELENHOF INTERCHANGE

CAPE TOWN, 13 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) advises residents and road users of scheduled drilling works alongside the N1 national road from Old Oak Road to Koelenhof Interchange (Brackenfell and Kraaifontein) from Monday 19 May until 18 July 2025 in Cape Town.

“The drilling works will take place alongside the N1 in the road reserve and median. Short sections of the road shoulder will be temporarily closed to facilitate the works, and all lanes will remain open to traffic. We advise road users to remain vigilant and be aware of slow-moving vehicles in the vicinity, Appropriate signage will be installed, and road users are urged to follow the displayed signage during this period,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Western Cape.

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

“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 Cable.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during the drilling works and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this period.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary night closures on EB Cloete Interchange to affect Flyover bridge from Pinetown (N3 Eastbound) to Amanzimtoti (N2 Southbound)

Durban, 12 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of temporary closure at the EB Cloete Interchange (also known as Spaghetti Junction), affecting the route from Pinetown (N3 Eastbound) to Amanzimtoti (N2 Southbound) from Saturday, 17 May 2025 to Monday, 19 May 2025. These closures are to facilitate milling, barrier placement, water jetting, and line-marking activities required for the ongoing ramp widening works.

“Construction continues on the upgrade of the EB Cloete Interchange and surrounding bridges. These closures are necessary to enable the safe completion of construction-related activities and preparatory works for the widening of the ramp”, said Corné Roux, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Project Engineer.

TWO TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES OF THE FLYOVER BRIDGE FROM PINETOWN (N3 EASTBOUND) TO AMANZIMTOTI (N2 SOUTHBOUND) WILL TAKE PLACE AS FOLLOWS:

• From 20:00, Saturday 17 May 2025 to 05:00, Sunday 18 May 2025, and
• From 20:00, Sunday 18 May 2025 to 05:00, Monday 19 May 2025
• The N3 Eastbound to N2 Southbound flyover at EB Cloete Interchange will be fully closed during these two night-time closures.
• Please take note that the remainder of the EB Cloete Interchange will remain fully open to traffic.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE GUIDANCE

When travelling on the N3 Eastbound intending to proceed to the N2 Southbound towards Amanzimtoti:
• Continue on the N3 Eastbound towards Sherwood Interchange
• Take the off-ramp and turn right onto Jan Smuts Highway (M13)
• Turn right again back onto the N3 Eastbound
• On approaching EB Cloete Interchange, take the off-ramp to the N2 Southbound (towards Amanzimtoti)

This initiative forms part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along the N2/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. SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.
“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,” said Roux.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Full Road Closure to Accommodate Blasting Alongside the R57 At Phuthaditjhaba (Makeneng Village)

Phuthaditjhaba, 7 May 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of scheduled blasting operations near Makeneng Village, Phuthaditjhaba (9.0km to 9.4km). The R57 will be fully closed on 13 May 2025, 15 May 2025 and 22 May 2025 between the hours of 14h00 and 15h30 to allow for works as part of the ongoing construction of a new road, designed to bypass the existing failed section of the existing R57.

The Road Closure will take place as follows:
Tuesday the 13th of May 2025, Thursday the 15th of May 2025 , and Thursday,22nd of May 2025.

• 14h00 to 15h00 – Close R57, clear the blast radius and blast
• 15h00 to 15h30 – clean up any debris on the R57 and reopen the road

Figure 1 – Blast location and exclusion zone radius

‘’We ask motorists to be patient during the closure and to plan and adjust their trips, especially their leaving times, to accommodate the closure whilst still adhering to speed limits. The exclusion radius for safety during blasting will be defined in accordance with the blasting contractor’s risk assessment and health & safety requirements.” said SANRAL’s Junior Project Engineer, Nokuthula Mazibuko.

The closure schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. If any changes are required, a follow-up notice with updated timing will be issued.

‘SANRAL wishes to apologise to the motoring community for any inconvenience caused as well thank users for continued patience and cooperation during this critical phase of construction to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of the project.” said, Mazibuko.
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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 4305 pressoffice@nra.co.za

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.