Motorists travelling north on the N2 towards King Shaka International Airport face a four-hour overnight closure between the Mount Edgecombe and Sibaya interchanges this weekend.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) said the northbound carriageway will be completely closed from 10pm on Saturday, August 22, until 2am on Sunday, August 23.

The closure is required to install an overhead sign gantry spanning the N2 as part of the ongoing upgrade between KwaMashu and Umdloti.

“Construction is well advanced on the N2 and now requires installation of further road sign gantries,” said Sanral KZN provincial specialist geometrics engineer Jason Lowe.

The N2 southbound carriageway, from King Shaka International Airport towards Durban, will remain fully open.

Traffic accommodation measures and detour signs will be in place during the closure.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and, where possible, leave earlier than usual.

Truck and other heavy vehicle operators have been asked to delay trips during the closure, use suitable staging areas or follow alternative routes to avoid congestion.

Sanral warned that heavy vehicles cannot reach the M4 through Umhlanga because of tight turns. Heavy vehicles that have not joined the M4 before the N2 Mount Edgecombe Interchange should instead use the R102 towards Verulam.

Motorists using the R102 detour should expect significantly longer travelling times.

“Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes,” said Lowe.

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