Busy traffic conditions have been experienced since last week with traffic volumes likely to increase even further today as holiday makers continue their homebound journeys. High volumes in excess of 2000 vehicles per hour are expected in a northbound direction (towards Gauteng) today.

The SA Weather Service has warned of disruptive rainstorms that may occur from late afternoon today. This time of year, many parts of the N3 Toll Route are prone to severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail.

“Stay alert and informed of traffic and weather conditions along your planned route. Allow extra travel time to patiently and carefully negotiate difficult travel conditions. Adhere to warnings, reduce speed, keep your vehicle’s headlights switched on, maintain safe following distances, drive defensively, and take preventative measures to avoid becoming a road statistic,” advises Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC). N3TC manages a 415km section of the N3 highway – the N3 Toll Route – between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.

Poor driver behaviour continued to be the main cause of crashes on the N3 Toll Route this past holiday season with the majority of the 134 crashes recorded during December 2024 having been single vehicle crashes.

A lack of accountability and irresponsible driving – including speed, reckless driving, a loss of concentration, and driver distractions – are the likely major contributory factors of crashes on the N3 Toll Route.

“N3TC and our road safety partners appeal to all motorists to work with us to make our roads safer for everyone,” says Ms Dhoogra. “Please take extra care today when the N3 Toll Route is likely to be congested, and slow moving traffic may cause delays.”

Road incident management systems (RIMS), visible policing, and the deployment of emergency services teams will be heightened along the route with multi-disciplinary teams manning various road safety checkpoints.

Should it be deemed necessary, the Roads Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) may implement special traffic control measures to manage the flow of traffic and to improve general safety along sections of the route, especially Van Reenen Pass.

“Plan ahead, stay informed, and be cognisant of the changing weather, road and traffic conditions. Please remain courteous, patient, and alert. Never attempt to make up for lost time by speeding along sections where traffic is flowing more freely,” ends Ms Dhoogra.

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.

Contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or follow @N3Route on X to obtain verified road and traffic information, or to report emergencies on the N3 Toll Route.

ENDS.