Motorists travelling between Durban and Pietermaritzburg will encounter significant disruptions this weekend as the N3 highway closes between Cato Ridge and Hammarsdale interchanges. The closure, scheduled from 6pm on Saturday to 5am on Monday, is necessary for the demolition of the Harrison East Bridge. This demolition is part of the ongoing widening project of the N3. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has advised motorists to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays.
The closure will affect both northbound and southbound carriageways of the N3. Motorists will need to use alternative routes during this period. For Durban-bound traffic, the diversion will be at Cato Ridge Interchange, followed by travel along the R103 (Old Main Road) and MR385, before rejoining the N3 at Hammarsdale Interchange. Conversely, Pietermaritzburg-bound traffic will leave the N3 at Hammarsdale Interchange, use MR385 and the R103, and rejoin the highway at Cato Ridge Interchange.
The local crossing of the Harrison East Bridge will also be closed during the demolition and replacement construction. Local motorists will have to use the designated alternative route via the D12 overpass. SANRAL has urged truck and heavy-vehicle operators to consider delaying their journeys or taking alternative routes to avoid congestion. Public transport operators have also been advised to ensure their drivers are aware of the closures and alternative routes.
The replacement of the Harrison East Bridge is expected to take approximately 24 months, with the new bridge anticipated to reopen in November 2028. SANRAL's KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office Road Safety Specialist Engineer, Jason Lowe, acknowledged that road closures can cause significant disruptions. He noted that the time periods for these closures have been minimized and planned over weekends to reduce weekday traffic disruption.
SANRAL has appealed to all users of the N3 to plan their journeys accordingly and to follow the designated alternative routes. The agency emphasized the importance of road safety during these construction operations. Motorists are advised to be cautious and follow traffic directions from SANRAL officials and signage.
The EB Cloete Interchange will remain fully open to traffic, except for the specific sections of the N3 undergoing closure. SANRAL continues to work on the widening of the N3, which aims to improve traffic flow and safety on this major route. The agency appreciates the cooperation of motorists and the public during this construction phase.
The weekend closure is part of a larger project to enhance the N3. SANRAL's efforts focus on minimizing disruptions while ensuring the successful completion of the widening project. The agency will continue to provide updates on road closures and construction progress.
Key points
- SANRAL advises motorists to use alternative routes R103 and MR385 during the N3 closure between Cato Ridge and Hammarsdale interchanges.
- The Harrison East Bridge replacement is expected to take approximately 24 months, with an anticipated reopening in November 2028.
- SANRAL urges truck operators and public transport services to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.
