Motorists using the N3 Toll Route this weekend are being warned to prepare for heavy congestion as the summer holiday period draws to a close and schools reopen next Wednesday, January 14.
With many holidaymakers expected to return northbound towards Gauteng, traffic volumes are anticipated to increase significantly, particularly on Sunday, traditionally the busiest return day on the route. Delays are likely, especially where roadworks and lane restrictions are in place.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has confirmed that its construction and route maintenance teams have resumed work along various sections of the highway. Although the programme is not yet operating at full capacity, several lane closures are already affecting traffic flow.
In KwaZulu-Natal, construction is underway near the Hidcote Interchange, where a single lane is closed southbound towards Durban between kilometre marker 59.6 and kilometre 57.1.
Additional lane restrictions, for approximately two kilometres each, are in place near the Midway Interchange in both directions. The northbound closure towards Johannesburg, between kilometre marker 6.3 and kilometre 8.6, is expected to be lifted before Sunday, 11 January 2026, while the southbound restriction will remain.
Between KZN and the Free State, motorists can expect daytime lane closures today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday, 10 January) between the Keeversfontein Interchange and Van Reenen. In the northbound direction towards Gauteng, the left lane is closed between kilometre marker 53 and kilometre 54.2, while southbound traffic towards Durban will be restricted to one lane between kilometre 53 and kilometre 55.6.
Further construction activity is also affecting the Gauteng to Mpumalanga section of the N3. Work on the southbound carriageway between the Heidelberg South Interchange and Wilge Plaza has resulted in three short single-lane closures at various points along the route.
N3TC chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra has urged motorists to exercise caution through these areas.
“Road users should remain alert, strictly obey all road signs (particularly temporary signage), and adhere to reduced speed limits through the construction zones,” she said. “These measures are in place for the safety of both motorists and road workers. Drivers should maintain safe following distances, avoid sudden lane changes, and be patient when approaching areas of congestion.”
Dhoogra also emphasised the importance of proper trip planning and driver wellbeing during the busy return period.
She reminded motorists to “plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off,” adding that “fatigue remains a significant risk factor during peak travel periods.” Drivers are encouraged to take regular rest breaks and to swap drivers where possible.
Motorists can stay updated on traffic conditions by following @n3route on X, or by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57for emergency assistance or to report incidents along the route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
THE MERCURY
