Coinciding with the start of the September school holiday tomorrow (Friday, 20 September 2024), road users are warned to be prepared for adverse weather conditions along the N3 Toll Route over the coming weekend.
Widespread rain, thunderstorms, heavy mist, and bitterly cold conditions may impact traffic movement along the high-lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, as well as the southern parts of Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. Weather conditions, especially along the mountainous areas of the N3 route, may change rapidly causing icy conditions, sleet and possibly snowfalls.
Sudden and sharp drops in temperatures may result in the formation of black ice on the road surface – resulting in extremely dangerous driving conditions. Van Reenen Pass, between Ladysmith and Harrismith, is especially prone to these icy conditions, while mist and thick fog (especially at night and early mornings) may be experienced along the entirety of the N3 Toll Route.
“Pay attention to changing road and weather conditions, heed warnings, and adapt your driving style to the prevailing conditions,” appeals Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC). “Adverse weather conditions may result in traffic delays, congestion, or even road closures. Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, emergency medication, sufficient water, food and refreshments, a torch, and mobile phone chargers in your vehicle.”
Ms Dhoogra further enourages motorists to preferably travel during the day. “Travelling at night presents many additional challenges, including reduced visibility, drowsiness, fatigue, a diminished ability to judge speed and distance, and higher incidences of criminal activity,” she explains.
In an attempt to ensure the safety, convenience, and mobility of road users, all services of the road incident management system (RIMS) on the N3 Toll Route will be deployed along the route. High blue light visibility and strict law enforcement should be expected.
N3TC’s Route Services will actively monitor road-, traffic and weather conditions, and will share vital information and verified safety updates with the authorities and road users.
Report problems or emergencies on the N3 Toll Route; obtain real-time, verified traffic and route updates; or get swift roadside assistance by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or by following @N3Route on X.