The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced temporary road closures on the N3 to accommodate the placement of concrete bridge beams for the new Candella Bridge.
The N3 East Bound and West Bound carriageways between the EB Cloete Interchange (aka Spaghetti Junction) and Sherwood Interchange will be closed on the evenings of the 22nd to 23rd of January 2025. Work will begin with the westbound carriageway with a full closure, followed by the eastbound carriageway with a full closure. Each closure will last 8 hours, from 20:00 to 04:00, as detailed below:
Closure 1: N3 West Bound Carriageway Closure – 20:00, Wednesday 22 January 2025 to 04:00, Thursday 23 January 2025
Closure 2: N3 East Bound Carriageway Closure – 20:00, Thursday 23 January 2025 to 04:00, Friday 24 January 2025
“This work is part of SANRAL’s major national road network upgrade to relieve traffic congestion across the province, enhancing the N2 North and South Bound and the EB Cloete Interchange. Candella Bridge, constructed in the 1960s, requires modification to accommodate additional lanes as part of the EB Cloete Interchange enhancement” said Jason Lowe, Project Manager in SANRAL’s Eastern Region.
To ensure safety for both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place, with signage, barriers, and traffic-calming measures already installed.
Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to delay trips over these times or use staging areas to minimize congestion. Public transport operators should ensure drivers know route closures and alternative routes affecting their schedules. Light vehicles and emergency services are encouraged to utilize alternative routes.
A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern
“All road users are strongly advised to plan routes and leave for destinations earlier than usual to avoid delays. SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area” said Lowe.
Closure Details
Closure 1: N3 West Bound Carriageway Closure – 20:00, Wednesday 22 January 2025 to 04:00, Thursday 23 January 2025
Closures at Sherwood Interchange:
- N3 West Bound from Durban to Pinetown – N3 fully closed. Vehicles can only proceed down the Sherwood Interchange offramp.
- Sherwood West Bound on-ramp to the N3 (Sherwood/Cato Manor to Pinetown) – ramp fully closed. Vehicles can only proceed along the Jan Smuts Highway or N3 East Bound.
Closure 2: N3 East Bound Carriageway Closure – 20:00, Thursday 23 January 2025 to 04:00, Friday 24 January 2025
Closures at EB Cloete (aka Spaghetti Junction) N3/N2 Interchange:
- N2 South Bound Ramp to N3 East Bound (King Shaka International Airport to Durban) – ramp fully closed. Vehicles can only proceed to N2 South or N3 West.
- N3 East Bound at N2 North/South (Pinetown to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport and Amanzimtoti) – N3 fully closed. Vehicles can only proceed to N2 North or South.
- N2 North Bound Ramp to N3 East Bound (Amanzimtoti to Durban) – ramp fully closed. Vehicles can only proceed to N2 North or N3 West.
SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritize the safety of both the
construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction.
