Busy traffic conditions are expected on the N3 Toll Route this weekend as the summer holidays come to an end, with schools reopening next week Wednesday.
The remaining holidaymakers are expected to return northbound, towards Gauteng, resulting in increased traffic volumes along the route. Motorists are advised that congestion and delays may be experienced, particularly on Sunday, which is traditionally the busiest return day.
Construction, road works, and lane restrictions on the N3 Toll Route
N3TC’s construction and route maintenance teams have resumed their roadworks programme this week. While the programme is not yet back in full swing, road users should be aware of lane restrictions in certain areas.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Construction is underway near the Hidcote Interchange with a single lane closure in a southbound direction (towards Durban) between N3-4 km 59.6 S to Km 57.1 S.
Near the Midway Interchange, lane restrictions of approximately two kilometres each are in place in both directions at:
- N3-5 Km 6.3 N to Km 8.6 N towards Johannesburg, and
- N3-5 Km 11.5 S to Km 9.1 S towards Durban.
The northbound closure (between N3-5 Km 6.3 N and Km 8.6 N) will be lifted before Sunday, 11 January 2026 but the southbound closure will remain in place.
KWAZULU-NATAL TO FREE STATE
Today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday, 10 Jan), a single lane in each direction will be closed during daytime between the Keeversfontein Interchange and Van Reenen.
In a northbound direction (towards Gauteng) the left lane will be closed between N3-6X km 53 N and 54.2 N, while the right lane will be closed to traffic in the opposite direction, southbound, towards Durban from N3-6X km 53 S to 55.6 S.
GAUTENG TO MPUMALANGA
Construction work is currently underway on the southbound carriageway between the Heidelberg South Interchange and Wilge Plaza.
Three short single lane closures are in place southbound at:
- N3-11 Km 15.1 S to Km 11.1 S,
- N3-10 Km 45.4 S to Km 41.4 S, and
- N3-10 Km 2.3 S to Km 0.4 S.
“Road users should remain alert, strictly obey all road signs (particularly temporary signage), and adhere to reduced speed limits through the construction zones,” urges Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC. “These measures are in place for the safety of both motorists and road workers. Drivers should maintain safe following distances, avoid sudden lane changes, and be patient when approaching areas of congestion.”
She ends by reminding motorists to “plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. Fatigue remains a significant risk factor during peak travel periods. Drivers are encouraged to take regular rest breaks, and swap drivers where possible.”
Motorists can stay informed of road and travel conditions on the N3 Toll Route by following @n3route on X, or contact the 24hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or obtain swift emergency assistance between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
Issued by: N3 Toll Concession (N3TC)