N3 closure this weekend: here are the alternative routes

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has postponed the demolition of the Ashburton Bridge on the N3.

Initially scheduled for 9 to 12 May 2025, the demolition will now occur on Friday, 16 May to Sunday, 18 May 2025.

This delay will impact traffic flow on the busy N3 route, especially around the Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges.

Full road closures on the N3

According to Sanral, full closures will be enforced at both the Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges.

Sanral’s Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer, Jason Lowe, said that these closures will prevent northbound and southbound traffic from accessing the N3 during the demolition process.

The closures will begin at 8pm on Friday, 16 May, and continue through the weekend, ending at 5am on Sunday, 18 May.

“The traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic to the R103,” Lowe added.

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Alternative routes

Motorists are advised to plan as there will be significant disruptions. The following alternative routes will be in place:

• Northbound Traffic: Diverted off the N3 at the Lynnfield off-ramp, onto the R103, and back onto the N3 at the Market Road intersection.
• Southbound Traffic: Diverted off the N3 at the Market Road interchange, onto the R103, and back onto the N3 at the Lynnfield intersection.
• Pope Elis Drive: Controlled via a stop-and-go system for residents only.

Sanral will install signboards along the R103 to direct traffic. Flag personnel will also be on hand to assist with the diversion.

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Updates

Sanral has cautioned that the closure times may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Motorists are urged to be patient, follow all signage, and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

“This is an unavoidable consequence of road improvements,” Lowe stated.

“Attempts have been made to minimise disturbances as far as possible and closures have been restricted to hours when traffic is at its lowest level.”

Sanral further apologised for any inconvenience the closure may cause and assured the public that it would continue to provide updates as the work progressed.

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