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

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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.

//Ends