High traffic volumes expected this weekend – With the spring break of inland schools coinciding with the end of the month, road users are likely to experience busy traffic conditions on the N3 Toll Route from midday today.

The N3 Toll Route is more than a tourism corridor linking some of South Africa’s top holiday destinations, it is also an essential trade route connecting the country’s economic hub to its busiest port in Durban. As trucks currently constitute approximately 44% of all vehicles travelling on the route daily, a pattern which does not significantly change over weekends and during holidays, the combination of all traffic (light motor vehicles, buses, minibus taxis, motorcycles, a variety of trucks and abnormal loads) utilising the route, may result in congestion and delays. These peak driving conditions can quickly worsen when unforeseen incidents or crashes occur, or when poor weather compromises travelling conditions.

This time of year, when the seasons are changing, large parts of the N3 Toll Route are prone to misty conditions, high winds, rain and thunderstorms.

Furthermore, most of the land adjacent to the N3 Toll Route remains very dry after the long winter season, and runaway wildfires continue to be a high risk.

“We appeal to all road users to help our multi-disciplinary emergency response teams to reduce these safety risks,” says Thania Dhoogra, operations manager of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC). “Always stay alert and informed of traffic conditions. Drive defensively, adhere to warning signs, maintain safe following distances, stay within the speed limit, and take preventative measures to avoid emergencies. The old adage remains true: Rather be safe than sorry”.

N3TC offers route, traffic, and scene management services in the event of emergencies or crashes, and roadside assistance to road users who may find themselves in distress on the N3 Toll Route.

“We work closely with local, regional, provincial, and national law enforcement agencies, road and traffic management experts, as well as emergency services in the Road Incident Management System (RIMS).

Variable message- and road signs, advanced route monitoring, CCTV cameras and specialised emergency normalisation vehicles are strategically placed and utilised along the route to guide and protect road users.

N3TC’s Route Control Centre (RCC) forms the nerve centre of the N3 Toll Route, monitoring the entirety of the route between Cedara and Heidelberg. Road users can obtain 24-hour emergency assistance, traffic information and route updates from the Route Control Centre by following @N3Route on X (formerly Twitter), or by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.

“We wish you a safe and pleasant journey, and thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation,” ends Ms Dhoogra.

ENDS.