The N3 Toll Route REMAINS CLOSED to incoming traffic between Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State. ALL LANES ARE OBSTRUCTED along a section of the route (from the town of Van Reenen towards the Swinburne/Montrose junction). This obstruction is caused by a large number of heavy- and light motor vehicles that are gridlocked across all four lanes. These vehicles — some of which have been abandoned by their drivers — have to be moved out of the way one by one to allow the graders to continue to work along this section of the roadway.

It remains a challenging task which is being complicated and slowed down by road users disregarding safety instructions. Reports are being received of a 30km backlog of traffic attempting to make their way from Harrismith towards Van Reenen. Incoming traffic cannot be accommodated on Van Reenen Pass at this time. These vehicles are adding more pressure to the already complicated rescue and recovery operation.

Trucks are being stacked on Van Reenen Pass while the recovery operation proceeds. For now, light motor vehicles are gradually being cleared in a southbound direction from the area under the careful escort of traffic officials.

Communication services in the area are extremely limited and/little or no cellphone reception is currently available.

Disaster management teams, search and rescue operators, and relief agencies are on scene to provide assistance to stranded road users.

Cold and overcast weather is being reported in the area. The entire road surface is still very wet and slippery.

Please AVOID TRAVEL between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith until further notice. The recovery and cleanup operation is expected to continue throughout the day. For regular, verified traffic updates, follow @N3Route on X or call the 24/7 N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or request emergency assistance. The N3TC Route Control Centre is being inundated with calls Kindly remain patient and comply with all safety instructions to best support stranded road users and the authorities as they continue their tireless efforts to restore mobility.

ENDS.