Plan for busy traffic, construction activities, and changing weather this Women’s Day long weekend
Road users travelling on the N3 Toll Route over the coming long weekend are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of time, allow for possible delays in construction zones, and remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions as is common at this time of year.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase from midday on Friday, 7 August, as travellers head towards tourism destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.
Return traffic is expected to peak on Monday afternoon, 10 August.
Expect for lane restrictions due to construction activities
Motorists should expect ongoing road construction activities on three sections along the route, between:
– Heidelberg and Villiers (Gauteng / Mpumalanga / Free State)
– Warden and Harrismith (Free State)
– Estcourt and Nottingham Road (KwaZulu-Natal)
Lane closures will be in place throughout the long weekend while construction teams continue their work. At least one lane in each direction will remain open to traffic at all times and where possible, these will be scheduled in the opposite direction to the anticipated peak traffic flow to help minimise delays.
Drivers are urged to approach all construction zones with caution.
Reduce speed well in advance, obey temporary road signs, remain within marked lanes, maintain a safe following distance, and be alert to construction workers, heavy machinery and changing traffic patterns.
Be prepared for changing weather and seasonal hazards
Although clear skies and mild weather conditions are forecast for the start of the long weekend, conditions can change rapidly along the N3 Toll Route.
Sudden temperature drops, freezing conditions, black ice, snow, rain, and dense mist are not uncommon, particularly along high-lying sections of the route.
August is a season of strong winds and veld fires along many of the rural sections of the route. Strong crosswinds can affect the stability of high-sided trucks, buses, and vehicles towing caravans or trailers. Smoke from veld fires may also reduce visibility with little warning.
“Road users are advised to plan ahead, be prepared, stay informed, and adjust their driving style to the prevailing conditions,” says Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC.
She explains: “Defensive drivers anticipate hazards before they become emergencies, make safe decisions early, and allow themselves the time and space to respond calmly. The safest journey is built on a series of good choices. Every responsible action you take behind the wheel improves your chances of a pleasant trip and a safe arrival at your destination.”
Route information and emergency help available 24/7 on the N3 Toll Route
For real-time, verified traffic reports and route updates, follow @N3Route on X.
In the event of an emergency, and for urgent assistance, contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.
N3TC route operations teams, and our partners in the road incident management system (RIMS), will be on standby at strategic locations along the 415 km N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal to provide assistance whenever needed.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, N3TC wishes all travellers a safe and memorable long weekend.
“Every journey is an opportunity to protect the people who matter most. Travel with care, show consideration to others, and help make every kilometre count towards a safe arrival,” ends Ms Dhoogra.
ENDS.
Issued by: N3 Toll Concession (N3TC)
