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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Western Cape roads could be affected by severe weather

Western Cape, 30 September 2024 – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated its weather warning for the Western Cape from level four to level five and the heavy rainfall and icy temperatures could impact mobility on certain routes, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

Snowfall is expected in the Breede Valley, Witzenberg and the Central Karoo, where sub-zero temperatures were a regular occurrence during the Winter months.

“The icy conditions could affect mobility on the N1 between De Doorns and Beaufort West, and our Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams are on high alert to respond to any incidents on the network,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager.

SANRAL, through its Road Incident Management System (RIMS) works with all road authorities and government services, including emergency medical services, police, traffic and RRM to coordinate the most appropriate response to all incidents reported on the network, via centralised communication centres (CCCs).

Western Cape CCCs

• Cape Town Metro – 021 480 7700
• Cape Winelands – 023 346 6000
• Central Karoo – 023 449 8000
• Overberg – 028 212 9111
• Garden Route – 044 805 5071
• West Coast – 022 433 8700

“Some routes in the Northern Cape, including the N1, N9 and N10 are also likely to be affected by snow, rainfall and freezing temperatures and road users are requested to delay travel where possible,” said Cable.

Northern Cape CCCs

• Frances Baard District – 053 833 9264/9290
• Pixley ka Seme District – 053 631 0860/0088 or 073 996 8036
• ZF Mgcawu District – 054 337 9700 or 087 759 2153
• John Taolo Gaetsewe District – 053 712 0457/0599 or 087 759 2154

SANRAL appeals for cooperation, compliance with road traffic authorities and for road users to take the weather warnings seriously.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL cautions public of severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and snow, in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape

Pretoria, 29 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has encouraged the public to heed the warnings of severe weather conditions predicted by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) from Sunday, 29 October, through to Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

The conditions include heavy rains and extremely low temperatures, with snowfall expected in some parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

“We have seen how severe and dangerous these weather conditions can get as recently as last weekend, when heavy snowfall along the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the loss of a life. We appeal to the public to avoid travelling as much as possible during this time, for their own safety and the safety of others,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Marketing and Communications.

“SANRAL’s road maintenance teams are on standby to attend to any incidences that might hinder mobility on affected parts of our network. We will work alongside the provincial disaster management teams and other relevant organs of state to ensure the safety and well-being of the public along the network,” said Mona.

The South African Weather Service forecast inclement weather in the following areas of KwaZulu-Natal:

• Ladysmith
• Underberg
• Drakensberg
• Giant’s Castle and other high-ground areas
• Durban and other coastline areas (with severe rain on Tuesday)

The South African Weather Service issued a Level 1 warning of light snow in high ground in parts of the Eastern Cape on Monday:

• Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and James Calata (formerly Jamestown)
• Barkly Pass on the R58 between Lady Grey and Barkly East
• The N10 between Middleburg and Nxuba (formerly Cradock)
• R61 near Graaff Reinet
• R56 between Cedarville and Elliot

Mona said, “While the snowfall is expected to be light in the affected parts of the Eastern Cape, we want to urge road users to avoid slippery roads at all costs and use alternative routes if they cannot postpone travel. We also urge road users to ensure that they have the latest weather reports when travelling to enable better planning for their trips.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL cautions public of severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and snow, in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape

Pretoria, 29 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has encouraged the public to heed the warnings of severe weather conditions predicted by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) from Sunday, 29 October, through to Tuesday, 1 October 2024.
The conditions include heavy rains and extremely low temperatures, with snowfall expected in some parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

“We have seen how severe and dangerous these weather conditions can get as recently as last weekend, when heavy snowfall along the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the loss of a life. We appeal to the public to avoid travelling as much as possible during this time, for their own safety and the safety of others,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Marketing and Communications.

“SANRAL’s road maintenance teams are on standby to attend to any incidences that might hinder mobility on affected parts of our network. We will work alongside the provincial disaster management teams and other relevant organs of state to ensure the safety and well-being of the public along the network,” said Mona.

The South African Weather Service forecast inclement weather in the following areas of KwaZulu-Natal:

•Ladysmith
•Underberg
•Drakensberg
•Giant’s Castle and other high-ground areas
•Durban and other coastline areas (with severe rain on Tuesday)

The South African Weather Service issued a Level 1 warning of light snow in high ground in parts of the Eastern Cape on Monday:
•Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and James Calata (formerly Jamestown)
•Barkly Pass on the R58 between Lady Grey and Barkly East
•The N10 between Middleburg and Nxuba (formerly Cradock)
•R61 near Graaff Reinet
•R56 between Cedarville and Elliot

Mona said, “While the snowfall is expected to be light in the affected parts of the Eastern Cape, we want to urge road users to avoid slippery roads at all costs and use alternative routes if they cannot postpone travel. We also urge road users to ensure that they have the latest weather reports when travelling to enable better planning for their trips.”

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

MEDIA STATEMENT

SANRAL notes DA memorandum on state of R75 in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

 

Gqeberha, 26 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has noted the memorandum received from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality today (Thursday, 26 September 2024).

The memorandum was received by Siphiwo Mxhosa, SANRAL’s Acting General Manager for Transformation and Stakeholder Relations, from a DA delegation led by DA Member of the Eastern Cape Legislature (MPL) Retief Odendaal at the roads agency’s regional office in Gqeberha.

“SANRAL notes the memorandum submitted by the Democratic Alliance around the state of the R75 section between Gqeberha and Kariega in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. We will study the contents of the memorandum and will communicate on a way forward once this internal process has been concluded,” said Mxhosa.

The memorandum follows SANRAL’s media statement issued earlier this month calling for a multi-stakeholder collaboration to restore the R75 to a safer state in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. SANRAL had cited incidences of intimidation and demands for participation, theft and vandalism to the road infrastructure, as well as challenges around second tier procurement for targeted enterprises (SMMEs) that had inhibited its contractor from effectively maintaining the R75.

“Stakeholder is among the key strategic pillars at SANRAL. Engagement with our stakeholders enables us to deliver road infrastructure to communities in an effective and efficient manner. We have an open-door policy to facilitate continuous engagement ensuring that we are aligned with their needs. We appreciate input and feedback from our stakeholders, and we will continue to work closely with them in our road infrastructure service delivery,” added Mxhosa.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Caution urged for motorists on N2 between Ngqushwa and Makhanda following fuel truck incident

Gqeberha, 25 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists to exercise caution while travelling on the N2 approximately 52 km from Makhanda, towards Peddie, after a fuel transport truck overturned earlier today.

Although no injuries were reported, the N2 is currently open to one-way traffic.

“We urge all motorists to remain patient and cautious while passing through the affected area. We are working swiftly to clear the scene and ensure that normal traffic flow resumes as soon as possible,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Region Manager.

A tow truck is on site to recover the fuel truck, and the routine road maintenance team is en route to clean up the diesel spillage.

Motorists are urged to remain vigilant and plan their journeys accordingly. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N3 intermittent full closures to facilitate placing of bridge beams at the Ashburton Interchange

Pietermaritzburg, 23 September 2024 – The placing of concrete beams for the new Pope Ellis Drive bridge at Ashburton Interchange over the N3 will result in road closures, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“This work will be undertaken as part of the N3 Section 3 upgrade project from Ashburton Interchange to Market Road Interchange,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The closures will take place as follows:

• N3 Northbound Road will be intermittently fully closed at Lynnfield Park Interchange on Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 20h00 to Sunday, 29 September 2024 at 05h00.
  • The road will be closed for 45 minutes and open to traffic for 30 minutes. The process will be repeated from 20h00 to 05h00.
• N3 Southbound Road intermittently fully closed at Market Park Interchange on Sunday, 29 September 2024 at 20h00 to Monday, 30 September 2024 at 05h00.
  • The process of the intermittent full closures will be 45 minutes closure and 30 minutes open to traffic. The process will be repeated from 20h00 to 05h00.
• There will be stop and go activity on Pope Ellis Drive at the Ashburton intersection on Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 20h00 to Monday, 30 September 2024 at 05h00.

The contractor’s traffic accommodation team, with support from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will oversee traffic management activities throughout the rolling closure activity.

“The R103 will be available as an alternative route for light vehicles during the intermittent full closures. While the closures are planned during the hours of least traffic, delays may however be experienced as the R103 is unable to handle the same volume of traffic as the N3,” said Lowe.

“Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to delay their trips, find suitable staging areas or be prepared to stack on the N3 during these periods as it is not recommended that they access the R103 due to potential safety concerns. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of the route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.”

The closures may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the respective days. If that happens, a second notice with information of the new times will be issued.

Bridge Beam Location:

Figure 1: Position of the Ashburton Overpass Bridge.

 

Alternative Routes:

Figure 2: Alternative Route for Placement of Beams at the Ashburton Overpass Bridge.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL warns of dangerous conditions, including snowfall, on its Eastern Cape road network

Gqeberha, 21 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued a cautionary warning to all road users in the Eastern Cape, urging extra vigilance due to inclement weather affecting much of its road network.

Motorists are advised to avoid certain roads where severe weather conditions, including snowfall, are expected to significantly impact driving conditions.

Key routes likely to be affected include:

• N6: Penhoek Pass between Komani and Jamestown (James Calata)
• R58: Between Khowa (formerly Elliot) and Barkly East
• N10: Between Middelburg and Hanover
• N9: From Graaff-Reinet to Middelburg
• R61: Between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock
• R67: Nico Malan Pass between Fort Beaufort to Whittlesea

In areas where snowfall is expected to be particularly heavy, SANRAL will implement temporary road closures for safety reasons. The closures will affect these sections:

• Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and Jamestown (James Calata)
• N9, Section 6 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg
• Wapadsberg Pass on the R61, Section 2 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg

“SANRAL advises road users to be especially cautious. Snowfall in high-altitude areas creates hazardous driving conditions, and we urge drivers to stay alert and consider postponing non-essential travel,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Southern Region.

Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Restoring mobility on the N3 in record time, was a coordinated government effort

KwaZulu-Natal, 23 September 2024 –  Following this weekend’s severe snowfall, which caused major traffic disruptions, and had road users stranded for almost two days between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith, SANRAL is pleased that mobility is now fully restored on the N3 Toll Route.

SANRAL CEO, Reginal Demana, said the outcome speaks to carefully coordinated and aligned efforts on the part of government.

“We have weathered the storm, and as we prepare to resume normal operations on the N3 network, we are pleased with the coordinated efforts of all the road authorities and government services that integrated seamlessly to ensure we left no-one behind,” said Demana.

The rapid response and well-orchestrated communications efforts reaffirm confidence in SANRAL and N3TC’s services on the N3.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all involved in the operation – organs of state such as the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the South African Army, South African Police Service (SAPS), disaster management personnel, humanitarian groups, local farmers, the motorists who were trapped and still cooperated, the media, our Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport Ms Barbara Creecy and Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa as well as the SANRAL Board, Management and staff,” said Demana.

“This is indeed testament to the South African spirit of coming together and working all out to get us through a crisis.

“While we are indeed relieved, we are also deeply saddened by the loss of life during this disaster. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the 39-year-old woman who succumbed to hypothermia on Saturday morning, after being stuck on the road overnight.”

Inclement weather conditions still prevail and SANRAL appeals to road users to continue to prioritise road safety.

Follow @N3Route on X for regular, verified traffic updates or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or for emergency assistance. SANRAL will also carry updates on its various digital platforms, including X and Facebook.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Mobility now fully restored on N3 Toll Route

KwaZulu-Natal, 22 September 2024 – Following this weekend’s severe snowfalls, which caused major traffic disruptions, and had road users stranded for almost two days between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith, mobility is now fully restored on the N3 Toll Route, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), have announced.

The extensive backlog of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared.

Traffic authorities have assessed the area between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith and have given the green light for travel to resume, but with an important warning: Although the road is now safe enough for travel, it is highly recommended that road users only commence their trips from tomorrow.

“Daytime travel is always the safer choice,” concurs Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of N3TC.

“We appeal to road users to plan ahead and be prepared for any eventuality before they set out on their journey. Pay attention to road and weather conditions, and stay informed. Conditions on a road can change rapidly as we have seen over the last few days,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

For regular, verified traffic updates follow @N3Route on X or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for emergency assistance. Also follow updates from SANRAL via X and Facebook.
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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Extremely slow, restricted traffic movement between KwaZulu-Natal and Free State

KwaZulu-Natal, 22 September 2024 – Road incident management teams have now begun to clear trucks and light motor vehicles that have been caught in the gridlock between Van Reenen and Swinburne (Montrose), the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), have announced.

Extremely slow and restricted traffic movement is now being facilitated via Van Reenen’s Pass (in both directions between Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State) to clear the current backlog of traffic, many of whom have been stranded in the area since Friday night.

“Please note that the N3 remains closed to incoming traffic. Mobility will only be fully restored once all stranded vehicles, and those in the backlog have been removed from the area, and once authorities confirm that it is safe to do so,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

Road users are requested not to rush to make their way to the section of the route between KwaZulu-Natal and Free State.
“You will be caught up in the extensive backlog, creating further congestion and delays in the area,” said Mona.

SANRAL and N3TC appeal to road users to continue to adhere to all safety instructions, refrain from taking unnecessary risks and remain patient.
For regular, verified traffic updates follow @N3Route on X or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for emergency assistance. Also follow updates from SANRAL via X and Facebook.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za