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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.

MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy Applauds Progress made by SANRAL on Motherwell to Addo Project
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy led a high-level site inspection of SANRAL’s R335 national road from Motherwell to Addo

 Gqeberha, 16 April 2025 – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has applauded progress made by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) in improving the R335 national road from Motherwell to Addo in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Minister Creecy, accompanied by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mayibuye, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, and senior executives from SANRAL, embarked on a site inspection of the R335 road from Motherwell to Addo today (Monday).

“We are fully aware of the dangers that this road poses to road users in the area and, working together with SANRAL, we are finding a solution to ameliorate the road safety dangers caused by lack of streetlights and potholes on it,” said Creecy.

The upgrading of the road will include the widening of the on and off-ramps of the R335 to the N2 national road, drainage improvements, horizontal alignment, upgrading of 2

intersections that the road traverses through, construction of walkways, as well as streetlights.

“Close to 22 kilometres of this road will be reconstructed, with over three kilometres to be upgraded to dual carriageway, including traffic circles in the urban section of the road. Work that will be done on the almost 19 kilometres section of the rural section will include fencing, widening the existing road to allow for surfaced shoulders on both sides and to allow for a passing lane on the inclined sections,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the Eastern Cape Province.

The project started in August 2023, and it is expected to be completed in March 2027.

Working together with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, SANRAL has identified community development projects within the Motherwell area in the upgrade of the road. These projects entail improving pedestrian mobility (walkways) and local access roads which will benefit local communities.

“The local community has also expressed its appreciation about the on-going initiative by the site staff to bring students from nearby schools to the project, allowing them to gain hands on experience and insight about the civil engineering profession.”

“A total of 301 people are employed of which 81 are local labour, 131 skilled labour and 10 students undergoing experiential training on this project. We have also provided internships to young students to work on this project. These figures will increase as we move into the next phase of the project,” added Peterson.

The local community has embraced the project positively, and emerging contractors working on the project have been assisted greatly, with some gaining eligibility to upgrade their Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) grading to the next higher levels.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project is well underway

 Gqeberha, 16 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is well on its way to developing the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project in the Eastern Cape, a first of its kind in the province.

Speaking on the sidelines of a high-level visit to SANRAL Gqeberha offices by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mayibuye, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha, as well as Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head, said the ITS project is SANRAL’s proactive response to improve road safety by keeping motorists informed of real time travel conditions on its national road network.

“The technology that is used on ITS enables us to respond speedily to incidents on our national road. Working together with law enforcement officials, the technology also assists us to further enhance and improve communication during cases of emergencies on our roads.”

“The ITS project will also assist to monitor vandalism on SANRAL’s R75 and N2 national roads in Gqeberha, as well as to respond to safety related issues on the road network. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June this year,” said Peterson.

In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, which is currently in the process of piloting a traffic signal project at selected intersections in the Nelson Mandela Bay, SANRAL intends to extend this project once its Interim Traffic Monitoring Centre (ITMC) is operational and specific protocols are put in place. It is envisaged that the ITMC will be operational from June this year.

According to Danfred Adams, SANRAL’s Project Manager on the ITS project, as part of efforts to address community safety concerns, SANRAL is in discussion with the municipality and it is considering monitoring some of identified traffic signals from the ITMC, which will include 24/7 CCTV surveillance, infra-red and thermal technology, tamper and proximity alarms, and work together with public law enforcement and private security to respond to suspicious activities in the Nelson Mandela Bay. 2

“In the Nelson Mandela Bay, we will install CCTV cameras along the N2, R75 and R335 national roads. The R75 and Mati Road intersection was also identified as a pilot project to implement and test the ITS security and vandalism solution by monitoring and responding to theft and vandalism of the traffic signal infrastructure.”

“Through our ongoing engagement with the municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, SANRAL will also pursue public private partnerships where the business community can partner on some of these initiatives such as Adopt a Traffic Signal or by sponsoring provision of private security services. We will also involve the community in further consultations and community-based projects,” said Adams.

The ITS project has so far created a total of 104 job opportunities where 53 job opportunities have been created for adults and 51 job opportunities for young people. A total of 24 people continue to receive training by accredited training service providers. Local subcontractors were also employed to work on the project until March this year, with an estimated total expenditure of over R41 million.

“In light of recent unfortunate crashes along the R75 national road, the conflict points have generally been the intersections where general bad road user behaviour is a primary contributor. The general road infringements and traffic violations are being addressed and are being prioritised. As the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality finds ways to find a more permanent solution to theft and vandalism of its traffic lights, SANRAL will work with the traffic law enforcement to see how we can assist and support,” added Adams.

In the long-term, the project will also be rolled out to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, and Amathole District Municipality.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

15th 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 29th April 2025 at 12h00.

The blasting will take place at approximately 2,9 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 Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape 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

Upgrade of the R336 between Addo and Nqweba Phase 2, Eastern Cape

Caption: The upgrade is taking place between Bezuidenhout River and Addo. (The route is marked red on the map.) Closures marked in yellow

Gqeberha, 04 April 2025—The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users about the ongoing road upgrade project on the R336, which extends from Bezuidenhout River (approximately 13 km from Nqweba Town (formerly Kirkwood) to the intersection of the R336 and R335 near Addo. The project is scheduled to continue until November 2025.

This upgrade encompasses 17.7 km of the R336, specifically between the 30.5km and 48.2km road markers. As part of Phase 2, the road will undergo significant improvements, including widening lanes and shoulders, enhanced intersections, widening of two bridges, construction of one new bridge and the addition of pedestrian facilities where necessary. These upgrades are intended to improve overall mobility and create a safer driving environment.

During the Easter weekend from the 17th to the 21st April 2025, the road will feature two traffic closures. These closures span 4 km each, and the average waiting time is 20 minutes. Although the remainder of the route is open to traffic, motorists must be aware that road line markings and road signs are temporary. The entire road is a no-overtaking zone. Furthermore, it remains a construction site, and the temporary speed limit of 60 km/h must be observed.

“It is essential to note that at the Sunday River Bridge and Bezuidenhout River Bridge, the road is narrow, and therefore motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution when crossing these bridges. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys with the ongoing roadworks in mind, and to drive carefully and at a reduced speed through the closures,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

Some Valuable Information

“If motorists find themselves in an emergency and need to provide their position, they should use the route markers along the side of the road. These route markers are placed every 200m and provide sufficient information on the exact location and route.

Motorists are urged to be more cautious when driving on the R336. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during the road construction. Attempts have been made to minimize disruptions as far as possible,” added Mafuta.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

CONTRACT X.003-022-2018/1-C6
EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIR WORKS ALONG THE N2 SECTION 16

Gqeberha, 7 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has started with repairs to seven structures along the N2 national road between Mdantsane and Great Kei River Bridge in the Eastern Cape. The project is located in the Amathole District Municipality, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Great Kei Local Municipality.

The following structures will be affected.

Repair work will be undertaken by the contractor, Makali Plant and Construction, together with local sub-contractors. The contract started on 21 June last year, and the estimated completion date is 14 October this year . Remedial works to the bridges comprise works to repair / correct defects detailed below:
(a) Cracking and spalling of concrete.
(b) Cracking of concrete due to Alkali Aggregate Reaction (AAR).
(c) Erosion under piers and abutments.
(d) Various structural defects.
(e) Damage to parapets.
(f) Lack of guardrails.
(g) Damage to existing road surface at approaches to structures.
(h) Damage to existing wing walls.
(i) Replacement of bridge joints and asphalt surfacing repairs

“To undertake the required bridge and culvert repairs, road users approaching the affected structures along the N2 will be restricted to a reduced road width with delineators, warning signs and flagmen. Where necessary, the N2 Section 16 will be reduced to a single lane, with the necessary temporary traffic accommodation signage. Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place and operational for the duration of repairs to the respective structures,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

Where necessary, temporary traffic accommodation signage and Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place on the local crossing roads on the Bonza Bay Bridge, Gonubie access road under the N2, and the Abattoir access road.

The speed within the work areas will be reduced to 60 km per hour.

“SANRAL appeals to motorists to be patient and adhere to the temporary signage, control facilities and speed limit, and to not overtake within the single lane zones”, added Mafuta.

Ends//

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ON N3 GLADYS MANZI TO NEW ENGLAND ROAD

Pietermaritzburg, 3 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) informs road users of a temporary road closure of the N3 Market Road Overpass Bridge to facilitate the casting of concrete for the new bridge. The temporary overnight road closure will happen from 20:00 on Thursday 10 April to 06:00 on Friday 11 April. This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 Upgrade Project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange.

The following closures will be implemented:

• N3 Southbound Market Road offramp to Mkondeni, Scottsville, Cleland

-From 20:00 on Thursday 10 April to 06:00 on Friday 11 April

• N3 Southbound Market Road onramp to Durban

-From 20:00 on Thursday 10 April to 06:00 on Friday 11 April

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The available alternative routes will be via the New England Road Interchange or the R103 (via Polly Shorts) as indicated on the diagram below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information of the new time will be issued. “Motorists are urged to remain patient during the closure and are advised to plan and adjust their routes while adhering to speed limits. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements. Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the closures for their full duration” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN MOUNT FRERE AND MOUNT AYLIFF

2nd April 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place between on the N2 national road between Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff on the 8th April 2025 at 12h00.

The blasting will take place at approximately 1,9 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 Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

For editorial content or additional information contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON THE N2 MBOKODWENI RIVER BRIDGE

Durban, 2 April 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced temporary lane closures on the N2 national route between Joyner Road and Moss Kolnik Drive for essential bridge jacking work. This work is part of the emergency repairs to the Mbokodweni River Bridge.

To facilitate this work, a full road closure of the N2 Southbound will be in effect during the following days:

Saturday, 5 April 2025 | 20:00 – 05:00
Sunday, 6 April 2025 | 20:00 – 05:00

During these closures, traffic will be diverted via the Joyner Road offramp onto a temporary detour route.

“Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time, particularly when heading to key travel hubs such as airports. We urge all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic signs, and comply with speed limits while approaching and navigating the construction zone,” said SANRAL KwaZulu-Natal’s Project Manager, Serisha Sukraj.

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

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

UPGRADING OF N2 NATIONAL ROUTE BETWEEN GRAHAMSTOWN AND FISH RIVER PASS:

Blasting Works on N2 Sections 13 and 14 for April and May 2025.

Eastern Cape, 1 April 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting operations are planned for the following dates in April and May 2025.

• Thursday 3 April 2025
• Monday 7 April 2025
• Thursday 14 April 2025
• Thursday 24 April 2025
• Monday 28 April 2025
• Thursday 1 May 2025

All Blasting happens off the road and normally will not influence public traffic. Under exceptional conditions, the road might be closed from 15h00 to 16h00.

There will be further closures from km 84+500 to km 85+900 that will allow single-lane traffic for 24 hours per day.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce and Gqeberha may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea through Ncanarha and turn left onto the N2 and continue to Gqeberha.

Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative routes:

• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Ncanarha and turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Ncanarha and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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