An aerial view of Van Reenen's Pass which is on the N3 toll route. Picture: N3 Toll Concession Facebook page
Motorists planning to use the N3 Toll Route (N3TC) concession at Van Reenen’s on Thursday have been warned to prepare for delays of up to 20 minutes.
The N3 Toll Concession said the closure on Van Reenen’s Pass is required to carry out essential maintenance work on the stretch of the road.
It said the road will be closed between 8am and 1pm.
“The road closures are required to carry out essential maintenance work at N3-6 X km 57.4, approximately 2.5 km south of the Caltex fuel station at Van Reenen.
“N3TC warns road users to expect traffic delays. Please remain patient and courteous while the works are underway,” it said.
The N3 Toll Route is a key transport route linking SA’s largest port, the Durban Harbour in KwaZulu-Natal, to the economic hub of Gauteng.
The route has seen several incidents, including the recent attacks and torching of six trucks in July.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the torching of trucks could cost South Africa up to R60 million.
“These main arterial highways are really our backbone for our economy in our country”.
ALSO READ: State to oppose bail against suspects involved in truck torchings
Meanwhile, Metrorail Gauteng has confirmed trains will continue to be suspended on Thursday morning on the Mabopane-Pretoria and Dewildt-Hercules lines due to Transnet Freight Good’s (TFG) derailment at Hercules.
Train commuters have been urged to seek alternative transport.
Metrorail spokesperson Lilian Mofokeng said freight train number 1410 derailed at Hercules in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 16 August.
“Metrorail train commuters are informed no train services are operational this morning peak between Pretoria-Mabopane and Dewildt-Hercules.
“Commuters travelling on the Mabopane and Dewildt lines are advised to seek alternative transport until further notice, as technical teams are clearing the accident scene to allow safe movement of trains,” said Mofokeng.
ALSO READ: Metrorail services suspended after freight train derails