Durban – The N3 road has been reopened to clear traffic at Van Reenen’s Pass, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) announced early Sunday, (22 September 2024).
Together with its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), SANRAL said in a statement: “The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and N3TC Route Services will now commence to slowly escort stranded road users out of the area in the southbound lanes (towards KwaZulu-Natal)”.
SANRAL said graders and rescue teams were continuing to clear a safe passage for road users stranded in the vicinity of Swinburne/Montrose.
“Please remain patient while the next phase of the rescue and recovery operation is being completed,” said Vusi Mona SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing.
SANRAL advised road users to “carefully” follow the instructions of rescue teams and road traffic officials once they receive the go-ahead to proceed.
Motorists have been warned to drive slowly and with the utmost caution and care.
Commenting on the situation, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said: “We are aware that although thousands of motorists and truck drivers have been freed, others are still trapped.
“Our main focus is to enable the disaster management teams to urgently bring much needed relief.”
He said more graders had been deployed to clear the snow.
MEC Duma said the following roads have been open:
- N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle OPEN
- N11 AMAJUBA PASS OPEN
- R33 – Vryheid to Dundee OPEN but water damping on the road at Cotswold
- R34 – Newcastle to Memel CLOSED HIGHER UP
- R34 – Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid OPEN
- R33 – Vryheid to Paulpietersburg OPEN
- R34 – Vryheid to Melmoth OPEN
- R69 – Vryheid to Pongola OPEN
- N2 – Richards Bay to Piet Retief OPEN
“Our hardworking and efficient team from Road Traffic Inspectorate will continue working flat out with disaster management teams and other law enforcement agencies,” MEC Duma said.
“In the meantime, motorists are requested to cancel any unnecessary travel.”
Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC thanked disaster relief organisations, road incident management teams, humanitarian groups, local farmers, and community associations who have provided emergency services and essential aid to stranded motorists,” said
“Your selfless efforts exemplify dedication and compassion in action. You are the real heroes of the N3 Toll Route,” said Dhoogra.
“It was a tremendously difficult period for everyone affected, but you have been phenomenal in demonstrating resilience and strong spirit.”
Mona said: “We also wish to thank every road user who remained patient, vigilant, and compliant under very trying circumstances”.
