N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), the company managing the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng is currently busy with two road rehabilitation and upgrade projects on the N3 Toll Route – from Cedara to Nottingham Road; and along Van Reenen’s Pass.

N3TC’s road rehabilitation, upgrade and maintenance programme is aimed at keeping the N3 Toll Route in the best possible condition and to extend the lifespan of this important road link. Comprehensive traffic management plans are in place to guide road users through construction areas and to minimise disruptions, but due to the nature of road works, traffic congestion and delays may still be experienced at construction sites.

“To accommodate the expected high traffic volumes along the N3 Toll Route this long weekend, N3TC will cease all construction work from 14 – 17 June 2019 and no lane restrictions will be in place.

“We will re-commence with our construction programme on the 18^th of June.  Should an urgent need arise, essential maintenance work may still be performed during the holiday period.”

For your safety stay up to date with important road and traffic news

N3TC recommends that all road users always verify current travel conditions prior to departure and during their trips with the 24-hour N3TC helpline on 0800 63 4357 or via Twitter: @N3Route. These communication channels can also be used to report any problems, emergencies or suspicious activities.

The N3TC helpline is operated from the company’s Route Control Centre (RCC) near Harrismith. The RCC acts as a central communication point for the N3 Toll Route. All incidents and emergencies are reported to the RCC and emergency-assistance is dispatched from here.

“Our Route Control Centre is the nerve centre of the N3 Toll Route. If anything happens on the route, the RCC knows about it and also how best to respond,” explains Roux. “It is a vitally important part of our operations and a key early-warning system. We appeal to road users to stay in touch with N3TC by making use of this service.”

Traffic forecast for Youth Day long weekend

High traffic volumes are expected along the N3 Toll Route on Friday, 14 June in a southbound direction (towards KwaZulu-Natal) between 12h00 and 20h00 and again on Monday, 17 June in a northbound direction (towards Gauteng) between 10h00 and 21h00.

“We recommend that you rather travel during the day, than at night,” suggest Roux.

Keep in mind that travel conditions may change swiftly

With temperatures set to drop as the winter season now starts to take its grip, weather changes may lead to thick mist, freezing conditions and strong winds.

“At night and during the early hours of the morning, heavy mist can impede visibility along large parts of the N3 Toll Route. It is advisable to delay the start of your journey until a little later in the day, when winter skies are crisp and clear and you can confidently navigate your way,” says Roux.

Aim for an enjoyable trip, but pack for a crisis

Planning your journey carefully is the first step to reaching your destination safely. You never know when a weather event or accident can bring an unexpected halt to your road trip.

It is advisable to at all times have the following emergency supplies in your vehicle:

• Warm clothes
• Blankets
• Food and refreshments
• First-aid kit with prescribed medication, especially for emergencies and chronic conditions
• Food, milk and diapers for babies
• Torch and emergency breakdown kit
• Warning triangles
• Reflective jackets

“N3TC wishes all road users a safe journey. On the N3 Toll Route emergency assistance is always only a phone call away. Please store our helpline number (0800 63 4357) on your mobile devices and make sure that you have sufficient airtime or data to be able to get help if you may need it,” ends Roux.