Busy traffic conditions – and an increase in public transport vehicles – are expected on the N3 Toll Route this weekend

N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) and its road incident management system (RIMS) partners are ready to accommodate a possible increase in traffic volumes on the N3 Toll Route this weekend as an expected 80 000 people head to (and back from) the Moses Mabhida Stadium in eThekwini/Durban in KwaZulu-Natal for an election event.

Southbound traffic volumes (towards Durban) are expected to increase on the N3 Toll Route from approximately 15:00 on Friday (23 February), with busy conditions likely to continue throughout the night, into Saturday morning.

Northbound traffic volumes (towards Johannesburg) will most likely begin to increase from late afternoon on Saturday (24 February) as attendees make their way back to inland provinces. Busy traffic conditions (towards Gauteng) on the N3 Toll Route may again continue throughout Saturday night, and on Sunday, 25 February.

Keeping in mind that trucks constitute approximately 44% of all vehicles travelling on the N3 Toll Route, combined with the expected increase in the number of public transport vehicles on the route, road users would do well to plan ahead, and to be prepared for possible congestion and delays on the N3 and to make allowances for slower-moving heavy vehicles. And remember to always allow extra travel time for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may occur.

In anticipation of the influx of road users, traffic- and law enforcement satellite stations will be located at strategic locations along the N3 Toll Route. Road users should expect increased blue light visibility, and strict speed- and law enforcement. Various other RIMS partners will also be deployed along the route to provide multidisciplinary support to road users, and a swift response in case of emergencies.

Thania Dhoogra, operations manager of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) appeals to road users to “take all necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety, whether you are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, vehicle owners, or operators. Notwithstanding the readiness of our emergency- and law enforcement services, road users are reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility. It is up to each of us to protect and save lives. Be the difference you want to see on our roads.”

Safe driving requires focus and concentration, and the ability to make good judgment calls to quickly react to unexpected situations. “We encourage you to take regular rest breaks – at least every 200km – to stay alert behind the wheel. But, please choose safe, designated rest stops to do so,” says Ms Dhoogra.

“We welcome you to the N3 Toll Route. Stay informed of traffic conditions, be patient and courteous towards your fellow travellers, and adhere to the rules of the road. This will ensure you and your passengers have the best chance of arriving safely at your destinations. Enjoy your journey,” she ended.

N3TC is always on standby to be of assistance

N3TC offers a 24-hour route information- and emergency response service on the N3 Toll Route. Contact the N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or follow @N3Route on X for verified traffic updates, to report problems, for a rapid response to emergencies, or for urgent roadside assistance.