Durban – Following heavy snowfall and rain several roads have been closed in KwaZulu-Natal including the N3.
The snowfalls on the N3 Toll Route along Van Reenen Pass have resulted in the closure of Tugela and Wilge Plaza.
The Department of Transport in the province said on Saturday, (21 September 2024), the following key routes remain closed due to heavy snowfall, ice, and rain:
* N3 Toll Route from Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal to Harrismith
* N3 Harrismith to Tugela Toll
* R74 (Harrismith to Bergville)
* R74 Greytown/Colenso Road is closed due to heavy snowfall at Santa Maria
* R617 (Kokstad to Underberg)
* Tugela Plaza
* R103
* N3 North
* N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle
* N11 Amajuba Pass
“We have deployed our efficient and hardworking team of officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to assist motorists,” the KZN Department of Transport said.
“The team will begin clearing the accumulated snow using the most appropriate snowplow blade.
“These are the realities of erratic weather patterns caused by climate change.
“Every year, we witness extreme heat followed by heavy rains, and now heavy snow.”
Meanwhile, the Road Freight Association (RFA) said it received numerous calls from members of the public and media about the situation on the roads due to the heavy snowfall.
“Many of the major routes in KwaZulu Natal – especially the N3 and N11 – are closed,” the RFA said.
“There is no way to move through portions of the routes that have seen up to two metres of snowfall.
“All road users are advised to ascertain road conditions before they set out: N3TC, TRAC N4, Bakwena N1, and provincial road authorities provide regular updates on routes.
“Please check with these organisations.”
The RFA said there were large sections of KZN, Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng that are heavily affected and impassable.
The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has despatched a team of Paramedics & Reaction Officers in 4×4 Rescue Vehicles to assist motorists stranded on the N3 in Harrismith – Free State.
However, RUSA said the Robinson R44 Helicopter had been grounded due to heavy snowfall, fog, rain & poor visibility along the route.
Follow @N3Route on X for regular, verified traffic updates, or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or for emergency assistance.
