Always reduce speed and keep headlights switched on when visibility is affected. This also applies in misty and wet weather conditions.
Although a few drops of rain have been reported since the turn of the season, conditions along most parts of the N3 Toll Route are still very dry and windy.
Veldfires remain a high risk and can create challenges for drivers.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) and N3TC entered into a Concession Contract in 1999, which gave N3TC the responsibility to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain the N3 Toll Route for a period of 30 years.
“Our weather remains unpredictable and can quickly change from a beautiful, clear spring day to high winds or temperatures dropping sharply. It is therefore best to be prepared before you set out on your journeys and to heed warnings,” explained Praveen Sunderlall, manager of N3TC’s road incident management systems (RIMS).
Always reduce speed and keep headlights switched on when visibility is affected. This also applies in misty and wet weather conditions.
It is not uncommon to experience strong winds in mountainous areas, such as Van Reenen’s Pass, where the pass can act as funnel for wind.
High winds can cause sudden gusts making large vehicles or vehicles towing caravans or trailers difficult to control.
Always reduce your speed and keep both hands on the wheel in these conditions.
N3TC operates a 24-hour Route Control Centre (RCC) from where any information about the route and travel conditions can be accessed.
Problems can also be reported to the RCC and emergency assistance obtained.
Stay in touch with N3TC by contacting the RCC on its helpline number, 0800 63 4357, or via Twitter: @N3Route
For your convenience, you can now also tune into the N3 Radio app, which has updates on traffic flows and news relevant to motorists on the N3 route. In addition, N3 Radio broadcasts wonderful stories about the region, its people and places.
Access the app by downloading it on your mobile devices. It is available from both Android and iOS App Stores.
Upgrading the N3 Toll Route
Travellers are reminded that major construction work is currently underway along three sections of the N3 Toll Route:
- Cedara to Nottingham Road
- Van Reenen’s Pass
- Warden to Villiers
N3TC’s commercial manager, Con Roux, said: “Road works, including maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrades, are essential to maintain our transport networks, to extend their lifespan and ensure we keep our economy moving. It is a necessary inconvenience that may cause traffic disruptions and frustrations for both construction workers and road users.
“At N3TC we carefully plan and manage our construction programmes to limit disruptions, especially during peak periods such as long weekends and holidays. At peak times only essential works are carried out, but lane closures and reduced speed limits may remain in place at existing construction zones. Road users are advised to pay careful attention to temporary yellow warning signs indicating construction zones as well as their cautionary instructions.”