Law enforcement and emergency services are on high alert as increased traffic volumes are expected to converge on the N3 Toll Route from Friday, 26 June 2026, when the majority of the country’s schools close for the winter holiday, and with increasingly cold, wet weather conditions being reported across the country.
Nearly half of all crashes on the N3 Toll Route occur after dark
N3TC’s crash data analysis of the past five years indicates that approximately 49% of all crashes on the N3 Toll Route occur at night.
“Night-time crashes are usually more severe, and frequently involve different vehicle types, and/or pedestrians, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities,” says Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), the company managing the 415km N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
“We urge motorists to avoid night-time travel during the winter school holiday period wherever possible,” continues Ms Dhoogra.
This warning comes as traffic volumes are expected to increase from tomorrow afternoon (Friday, 26 June) when schools close, and holiday makers embark on their journeys along one of South Africa’s busiest freight and tourism routes.
“Visibility already starts diminishing from as early as 17:00 during winter, and as a general safety precaution, we strongly recommend that long-distance trips be undertaken during daylight hours,” advises Ms Dhoogra.
“Winter travel presents unique challenges. Shorter daylight hours, reduced visibility, cold temperatures, heavy mist, smoke from wildfires and the burning of firebreaks, driver fatigue, and slower reaction times all contribute to elevated risks on the road, especially after dark.”
She urges motorists to stay vigilant throughout their journeys. “Plan every road trip carefully. Allow extra travel time, pack emergency supplies, and check route and weather conditions before departure, and regularly while travelling. Road conditions can change without warning: traffic may be flowing freely one moment, and the next, an unforeseen incident can cause major disruption or bring vehicles to a standstill.”
Zero tolerance for traffic transgressions
High blue light visibility, multi-disciplinary satellite stations, and various traffic checkpoints can be expected along the N3 Toll Route in the coming days. All Road Incident Management System (RIMS) partners are on high alert and available around the clock, should their services be required.
Drivers are encouraged to ensure that their licences are valid and their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out. Motorists are reminded to adhere to all traffic regulations and to adjust their speed according to prevailing conditions.
Maintain a safe following distance, avoid distractions, always wear seatbelts, and take regular rest breaks on long journeys. Pay particular attention to the condition of tyres, brakes, lights, batteries, and windscreen wipers.
“We appreciate the commitment of our road incident management system (RIMS) partners to safeguarding the safety, convenience and mobility of the N3 Toll Route, and appeal to all road users to support their efforts by sharing the road responsibly, driving defensively, remaining vigilant, carefully planning their journeys, staying informed, and being prepared for any eventuality,” says Ms Dhoogra.
Ongoing construction and routine road maintenance
N3TC and its contractors are currently busy with major road rehabilitation construction at various locations along the route.
“Although no construction, apart from emergency maintenance work, will be carried out during the upcoming weekend, single lane closures will be in place on the northbound carriageway (towards Gauteng) in the vicinity of Nottingham Road and Midway in KwaZulu-Natal, and near Grootvlei in Mpumalanga, where deep excavations are underway,” warns Ms Dhoogra.
“Please keep an eye open for the reduced speed restrictions in construction zones and approach these sections with caution. Carefully follow all safety directions, and be prepared for the possibility of congestion or delays through construction areas.”
Keep your finger on the pulse of the N3 Toll Route
It is vitally important to regularly check the status of travel conditions on the N3 Toll Route by following @N3Route on X. Immediately report problems or emergencies on the N3 highway between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng to the N3TC Route Control Centre by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57. From here, rapid assistance will be dispatched to attend to the incident or situation.
“We wish all road users a safe and pleasant journey this winter holiday. Please remain courteous and patient, drive defensively, and share the road responsibly. We all have a role to play in making our roads safer,” concludes Ms Dhoogra.
ENDS
Issued by: N3 Toll Concession (N3TC)
Date: 25 June 2026
