The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has advised motorists to take note of temporary night time road closures on the N3 national road at the St James Avenue Interchange (Pavilion interchange).

SANRAL said the closures will be done to stage and place portal beams as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded St James Avenue bridge over the N3.

“Construction continues on the upgraded St James Avenue Bridge, following its partial demolition at the end of March 2024. This closure is part of the ongoing upgrade process for the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

Also read: UPDATE: Westville Ratepayers Association undiscouraged by court’s decision

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

N3 South Bound (Pinetown to Durban) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road): The closures will be from 22:00 to 04:30 on Tuesday, May 20 and again on each of the nights of May 24, 25 and 26 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively).

N3 North Bound (Durban to Pinetown) Carriageway Closures: Traffic will be diverted via the interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road): The closures will be from 22:00 to 04:30 on Monday, May 19 and again on each of the nights of May 21, 22 and 23 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively).

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, Lowe said full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

“All road users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual,” advised Lowe.

 

Closure Locations

N3 South Bound loop onramp (Pavilion to Durban):

– Traffic will be accommodated to make a right turn onto the on ramp rather than to make use of the loop ramp.

N3 South Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):

– N3 South Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).

– The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.

– Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the on ramp.

N3 North Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):

– N3 North Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).

– The off ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.