Durban: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced temporary road closures on the N3 Eastbound and Westbound Carriageways as part of an ongoing upgrade project. The closures will affect the M7 Pinetown off ramp and the St James Avenue off ramp, facilitating the installation of bridge beams on the Langford Road bridge.
According to South African Government News Agency, SANRAL KwaZulu-Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer, Jason Lowe, outlined the closure schedule. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, fast and middle lane closures will occur from 11:00 to 14:00 on both East and Westbound carriageways, while the slow lanes remain open. A full closure of the Eastbound carriageway is scheduled from 20:00 on the same day until 05:00 on Sunday, December 7, 2025. During this period, traffic will be rerouted via the M7 interchange off ramp.
Further closures will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with fast and middle lane closures from 11:00 to 14:00, and a full closure of both carriageways from 20:00 to 05:00 on Monday, December 8, 2025. Diversion routes for East and Westbound traffic will be implemented during these times. On Monday, December 8, 2025, the fast and middle lanes will again be closed from 11:00 to 14:00, with a full closure of the Westbound carriageway scheduled from 20:00 to 05:00 on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Safety measures, including traffic accommodation plans, are in place to protect road users and construction teams. SANRAL advises trucks and heavy vehicles to delay trips, use staging areas, or reroute via the M7 or M19 and N2 to mitigate congestion. Public transport operators are urged to inform their drivers about the closures and alternate routes. All road users should plan their journeys in advance and consider leaving earlier than usual.
Closure locations include the N3 Eastbound at the M7 Interchange and the N3 Westbound at the St James Avenue Interchange. Traffic will be diverted accordingly, and SANRAL apologizes for any inconvenience caused. They urge compliance with warning signs and speed restrictions in construction zones.