R6 billion upgrade for one of South Africa’s most important roads

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced the start of construction along an 11.1km stretch of the N3 highway between the Mariannhill Toll Plaza and Key Ridge.

The R6 billion project forms part of the roads agency’s strategic programme to improve a key freight and mobility corridor, and is expected to take around 60 months, or five years, to complete.

SANRAL has advised motorists travelling along the route that traffic disruptions are expected as major construction and upgrading works get underway.

“Motorists and road users are advised that the impact of the construction on traffic will be significant,” said Nondumiso Mabaso, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Project Manager.

“While every effort will be made to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow within the project limits, road users should anticipate delays and plan their journeys accordingly.”

In a bid to secure the safety of construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route has been reduced to 40km/h for heavy vehicles and 60km/h for light motor vehicles during construction.

“Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and to make provision for the additional travel time,” added Mabaso.

Traffic accommodation measures have also been implemented and will remain in place for the duration of construction.

Additionally, traffic will be diverted via alternative routes in the event of major incidents within the construction zone.

SANRAL is appealing to all road users to obey the advance warning signs, temporary speed restrictions, and instructions from traffic management personnel when travelling through the area.

It noted that, during the contractor’s annual December and January shutdown period, a minimum two-way traffic flow will be maintained at all times within the project limits.

Road upgrades could cause disruptions

During the five-year upgrade period, motorists may need to make use of additional routes and roads, depending on incidents within the construction zone.

According to SANRAL, the following work will be carried out on the 11.1 km stretch of the N3 route between the Mariannhill Toll Plaza and Key Ridge:

• Accommodation of traffic throughout the construction period.
• Widening and upgrading of the existing N3 carriageways.
• Construction and rehabilitation of road pavement layers.
• Construction of two new viaduct bridges and drainage structures.
• Stormwater improvements, including pipe crossings, subsurface drainage systems, concrete and earth drains.
• Construction of earthworks, including cuttings and fills.
• Construction of concrete median barriers between carriageways.
• Construction of retaining walls and Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls.
• Construction of major culverts.
• Road signs, road markings, road studs, guardrails, and security fencing.
• Electrical works and public lighting upgrades.
• Landscaping and rehabilitation of borrow pits and spoil sites.
• Relocation and accommodation of services.
• Procurement and development of targeted enterprises and local community participation.

Until the upgrades are complete, traffic will be accommodated safely on alternative routes when major incidents occur within the construction zone.

SANRAL is encouraging motorists to consider the following alternative routes where necessary:

• M13 and alternative provincial roads.
• N3 service roads where possible.
• Local municipal roads as directed by traffic management personnel.

“SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience associated with the construction activities and appreciates the patience and cooperation of road users,” the roads agency said.

Mabaso added that the upgrades are essential to improving safety, mobility and the long-term capacity of one of South Africa’s most important transport corridors.

“We are committed to minimising disruptions as far as possible while delivering infrastructure that will benefit road users and the broader economy for decades to come,” she noted.