The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has encouraged road users to reduce speed and follow the posted speed signs and reasonable following distances when travelling on the N3 freeway through the construction zone.

This is after a motorist enquired about how many other motorists using the N3 had damage to their windscreen due to the construction taking place on the highway.

“Has anyone put in a claim against Sanral? Or have any contact details [where] we can submit a claim, as this is the second time my windscreen has been damaged by the loose stones?” the resident enquired.

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Most responses to the social media post in the comments section were from other motorists who had experienced damage to their windscreens from rocks. Others said they had opted to use alternative routes.

The concerned motorist said, “I have now sent an email to Sanral requesting the details of the contractors responsible for this work.

Many of us do not have the option of using alternative routes, and it is completely unacceptable that the contractors leave the road in such a dangerous condition by failing to sweep it after scraping.

“Those responsible must be held accountable for the safety of all road users.”

Sanral’s media relations manager, Lwando Mahlasela, said the resurfacing of the N3 freeway between Geldenhuys interchange and Buccleuch interchange is under construction, and is estimated to be completed in February 2027. He said the construction takes place only at night.

The project entails milling the existing road surface and replacing it with new surfacing.

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This milling process is performed before resurfacing, as inspections and surface monitoring are required before applying the new surfacing layer.

This requires road users to drive on the milled surface area for a few days.

Mahlasela added that the contractor cleans the work areas every night and removes all the loose material.

“The contractor also carries out an inspection by a designated cleaning foreman at the end of each shift to ensure the cleaning was done effectively.

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“Speed reduction signs and signs indicating possible loose stone on the road surface are erected on the road at all times to warn road users that it is a construction site and that the normal hazards of a construction site could be present,” said Mahlasela.

He added that the contractor working on site, supervised by the consultant and SANRAL project manager, is responsible for maintaining road safety during construction.

Mahlasela revealed that to date, Sanral has received three complaints about windscreen damage on the N3.

He added, “To claim vehicle damages from Sanral, you must provide proof that Sanral was indeed negligent by submitting an evidence pack including a police affidavit, three repair quotes, clear accident scene photos, and a letter of non-claim from your insurer to the relevant Sanral provincial office.”

For Gauteng Province, road users can use the following details:
Contact person: Liza Mokubedi
Email: mokubedil@nra.co.za
Phone: 012 426 6275
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