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Road Reports

Roads Report

N2

Port Shepstone to Durban

There are no construction projects that will disrupt motorists along this portion of the N2. At the Oribi Toll Plaza, Umtentweni and Izotsha Satellite Plazas, no new works are being carried out, and motorists will be serviced by extra Toll Lanes opened during peak traffic periods. Motorists proceeding directly to Port Shepstone Central or Harding / Kokstad must take the Exit No 45 via the Local Ramps at the Oribi Toll Plaza. Motorists must also note that public facilities are not available at the Plazas and stopping is strictly prohibited.

Durban to Empangeni

There are no construction projects that will disrupt motorists along this portion of the N2. Selected toll booths at the Tongaat and Mtunzini Mainline and Ramp Toll Plazas have been removed and replaced with precast concrete booths. High-speed exit booms will be installed in some of the lanes at the Tongaat and Mtunzini Toll Plazas. This will not affect the Toll lanes or the processing of traffic, however motorists are advised to proceed cautiously through the plaza. It is advisable to park as closely to the booth as possible to facilitate this process. It must also be noted that public facilities are not available and stopping is strictly prohibited.

Empangeni to Pongola

Road rehabilitation operations are in progress where STOP/GO closures (using traffic lights) will be encountered during the day and night between Mtubatuba and 20kms north of Hluhluwe. Motorists are to expect a waiting time of approximately 10 minutes at STOP/GO signs. Motorists are also advised that, although there is a 24 hour military presence at the STOP/GO facilities, travel plans should avoid night travel through this section. Work sections are limited to two by 5km stretches over the 60km length of the project. Construction is expected to be completed in June 2001. Potholes can be expected in the section from Mkuze to the Pongola River which is due to for rehabilitation in the future. The Mduna River to Mkuze rehabilitation contract has been completed and no interruptions will be encountered.

MAIN ROAD 439

Hluhluwe to Mozambique Border

Immediately north of Hluhluwe (on MR 414) the first 8kms are under repair, the work being undertaken in half widths. Motorists can expect minor delays at the manually controlled STOP/GO areas. The next 45kms up to the Mkuze River Bridge has been completed. At this point the new bridge and its approaches are under construction. It is expected that construction will be complete by Mid-December. Between the Mkuze River and Phelandaba (approximately 80kms) construction work has just started, with work concentrated at the southern end. Motorists can expect to be deviated onto gravel/sand tracks adjacent to the existing gravel road which is being upgraded. Motorists are advised to travel cautiously due to the nature of the terrain and locality where pedestrians and livestock share the same travel way. In wet weather the road may become impassable to vehicles that are not equipped with 4-wheel drive facilities.

The rehabilitation (strengthening of the road by the addition of new pavement layers) of the section of the route between Phelandaba and the Mozambique border has been completed and it is now surfaced all the way to the border post. Due to the high number of pedestrians and cattle along the route motorists should be continuously alert. Motorists are warned that speed humps have been constructed at the approaches to, and within, the town of KwaNgwanase and these should be negotiated with caution, especially when towing boats.

R61

Port Shepstone to Port Edward

Other than occasional small construction works where localised pot holes are being repaired, motorists can expect an unhindered passage on this 45km length of road. During the holiday period motorists should expect congestion as the topography, road geometry and traffic volumes combine to reduce safe overtaking opportunities.

NATIONAL ROAD 3

Durban to Pietermaritzburg

There are no construction works between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Routine maintenance teams undertaking emergency pothole repairs may be encountered at which sites traffic will be restricted to a single line.

At Mariannhill Toll Plaza some of the toll booths are to be removed and refurbished and certain booths replaced with precast concrete units, complete with finishings. Toll lanes affected will be closed to traffic during removal, refurbishment and replacement of the toll booths. However, the maximum amount of lanes will be opened during anticipated peak traffic periods and work stopped temporarily. Toll lanes for dedicated use by light vehicles and motorist with credit cards- (no receipts available) will be installed and these will be identifiable by the following signage-CARD ONLY LANE. Motorists approaching this plaza must do so cautiously due to the above works in progress. It must also be noted that no public facilities are available and stopping is strictly prohibited.

At Key Ridge on the N3 northbound carriageway a compulsory truckstop has been provided to improve road safety, as heavy vehicles exceeding tons 16 tons are now required to enter a dedicated lane leading to the compulsory truckstop. Truck drivers are to engage into low gear and travel down the decline not exceeding 60km/h. Road signs that truck drivers must observe have been provided at the top of Key Ridge, immediately after the merge of the M13 with the N3, and continuing along the descent. The truckstop will be manual at regular intervals by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and should vehicles not be in a roadworthy condition, they will be pulled over into the lay-bye area of the truckstop.

Pietermaritzburg to Heidelberg

The N3 between Cedara (20kms north of Pietermaritzburg) and Heidelberg is operated by N3 Toll Concession. Construction teams are working on pavement repairs between Estcourt and Tugela Toll Plaza and restriction to single lane travel in each direction can be expected at two or three places. Work areas are restricted to 4km lengths with minimum gaps of 5kms between work sections. At Harrismith itself an additional lane is being constructed. Motorists are advised to proceed with care through the work area. Deviations onto parts of the new work can be expected. One lane in each direction is available at all times. Please obey the speed limits posted.

Between Harrismith and Villiers emergency repair teams may be encountered where travel will be restricted to travel in one lane only. Beyond Villiers (Wilge Toll Plaza) major construction of the doubling of the existing carriageway has started. Where construction is immediately adjacent to the existing road motorists should travel with caution. Lane widths are reduced at three locations where new interchange structures are being constructed. The section between Villiers and Heidelberg is well known for traffic congestion and accidents during peak travel times over holiday periods. Please travel within the posted speed limits. This section is under construction and potholes occur from Villiers for the first 15km of this road.

Heidelberg to Johannesburg

From Heidelberg to Alberton, the road is a four lane dual carriageway in good condition with visible road markings and road signs. From Alberton to the Geldenhuys Interchange, the road is in a good condition. From the Geldenhuys Interchange to the Buccleuch interchange, the road is also in good condition. Routine Road Maintenance Teams will be present along the route

Created on ... December 14, 2000

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