Durban, 21 July 2026 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of an emergency full road closure of the N3 between the M13 off ramp at Paradise Valley and the M7 off ramp to Pinetown.

“Construction continues for the upgrading of the M13 Paradise Valley Off Ramps from the N3. This emergency closure is required to remove a damaged bridge parapet which has unexpectedly failed” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal’s Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 full road closure from 20:00 to 00:00 (midnight), Wednesday 22 July 2026:
• East Bound Carriageway (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) – traffic will be diverted via the N3/M7 interchange off ramp (exit 20 – M7 Pinetown)
• West Bound Carriageway (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) – traffic will be diverted via the N3/M13 interchange off ramp (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley)

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, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7, M13 or M19 to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

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 Closure (Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• N3 East Bound fully closed at the N3/M7 Interchange (exit 20 – M7 Pinetown).
• Traffic will be diverted off of the N3 via the M7 Pinetown off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the M13 interchange on ramp.

 N3 West Bound Closure (Durban to Pietermaritzburg):

• N3 West Bound fully closed at the N3/M13 Interchange (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley).
• Traffic will be diverted off of the N3 via the M13 Paradise Valley off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the M7 interchange on ramp or continue on the M13 to join the N3 at Key Ridge.
• “SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital emergency measure. We appeal to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through the construction work zones”, added Lowe.

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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 pressoffice@nra.co.za