Motorists are being urged to prepare for major disruptions on the N3 highway near Pietermaritzburg, as the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced a full road closure at Ashburton for an extended period in early May.

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The closure will affect both directions of traffic on the N3 over a 9.2-kilometre stretch between the Lynnfield (Lion Park) interchange and the Market Road interchange. The highway will be shut down from 8pm on Friday, May 9, and is expected to remain closed until 5am on Sunday, May 11.

Bridge Demolition Behind Weekend Shutdown

The primary reason for this significant traffic interruption is the planned demolition of the Ashburton Bridge, located at Pope Ellis Drive. The structure is set to be dismantled over the weekend as part of SANRAL’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade national road infrastructure.

Despite the closure of the N3 itself, Pope Ellis Drive will remain open for local traffic. A stop-and-go traffic system will be in place on Pope Ellis Drive to manage the flow of vehicles during the demolition, but SANRAL has warned drivers to expect delays even on this route.

Alternative Route Via R103 — Expect Congestion

During the closure, motorists will be directed to use the R103 as an alternative route between the Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges. The R103 runs parallel to the N3, providing a connection for both local and long-distance traffic.

However, the R103 is a single-carriageway road and is not designed to accommodate the heavy volumes typically handled by the N3, especially during peak weekend travel. Congestion and substantial delays are therefore expected, particularly for freight transport and other heavy vehicles.

SANRAL Urges Drivers to Adjust Travel Plans

KwaZulu-Natal’s SANRAL Provincial Specialist for Geometric Engineering, Jason Lowe, has strongly recommended that motorists — especially truck drivers and logistics companies — take proactive measures to avoid the closure period altogether if possible.

“Motorists, especially heavy goods vehicles, are strongly encouraged to reschedule their trips to avoid travelling during the closure window,” Lowe advised.
“If travelling cannot be avoided, please allow enough extra time to account for the expected delays. We understand this closure will be an inconvenience and SANRAL wishes to apologise to all road users in advance.”

Lowe also highlighted that the planned schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions. SANRAL has committed to providing real-time updates on their social media platforms to keep the public informed about any adjustments or unexpected delays.

Closure Timeline at a Glance

Friday, May 9 (8pm – Midnight): N3 fully closed to start the demolition of the Ashburton bridge.
Saturday, May 10 (Midnight – Midnight): Full 24-hour closure as demolition continues.
Sunday, May 11 (Midnight – 5am): Final demolition work, site clearing, and reopening of the N3 to all traffic.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Disruption

With the N3 serving as a major transport artery between Durban and Johannesburg, the planned closure will impact both passenger vehicles and freight operators. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible or travel outside of the closure window to minimize delays. SANRAL has thanked the public for their patience and cooperation as it carries out this critical infrastructure project aimed at improving long-term road safety and reliability.