Traffic Advisory I Temporary full road closures on N3 between Cato Ridge & Hammarsdale interchange to accommodate bridge demolition

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of a temporary full closure of the N3 (both directions) between Cato Ridge Interchange and Hammarsdale Interchange.

“The closure of the N3 is required for the demolition of the Harrison East Bridge (D157 overpass). The bridge needs to be demolished to allow construction of the N3. The bridge will ultimately be rebuilt with a wider opening to accommodate the widened N3 beneath it,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office Road Safety Specialist Engineer.

The temporary road closure will take place as follows:

N3 Southbound (from Pietermaritzburg towards Durban):
This carriageway is proposed to be fully closed from:
18:00, Saturday 14 November 2026 to 05:00, Monday 16 November 2026 (35 hours).
N3 Northbound (from Durban towards Pietermaritzburg):
This carriageway is proposed to be fully closed from:
18:00, Saturday 14 November 2026 to 05:00 am, Monday 16 November 2026 (35 hours).
As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans, advance-warning signs, detour signage and traffic-control personnel will be in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try to delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or use appropriate alternative routes to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of the road closures and alternative routes affecting their commuter services.

All road users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time, allow additional travel time and follow the temporary traffic signage and instructions of authorised traffic officials.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 Southbound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) – between Cato Ridge Interchange and Hammarsdale Interchange:

Full carriageway closure from Cato Ridge interchange for 36 hours.
Southbound vehicles will take the Cato Ridge interchange, continue onto the R103 / Old Main Road and MR385, and rejoin at Hammarsdale Interchange.
N3 Northbound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) – between Hammarsdale Interchange and Cato Ridge Interchange:

Full carriageway closure from Hammarsdale interchange for 36 hours.
Northbound vehicles will take the Hammarsdale interchange, continue onto MR385 and R103 / Old Main Road, and rejoin at Cato Ridge Interchange.
The Harrison East Bridge (D157) local crossing will close for demolition and subsequent replacement construction. Local vehicle traffic will use the designated alternative via the D12 overpass.

“The replacement period is estimated at approximately 24 months, meaning reopening in November 2028. SANRAL fully appreciates the disruption that road closures can cause. To reduce the impact the time periods for these closures have been minimised, and they have been planned to take place over weekends to minimise weekday traffic disruption. The remainder of the EB Cloete Interchange remains fully open to traffic,” added Lowe.