WITH the 99^th running of the historic and legendary Comrades Marathon slated for this Sunday, June 14, transport authorities issued an urgent safety advisory to motorists, runners and spectators travelling along major arterial routes between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

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This year’s race is an “Up Run,” which begins at the Durban City Hall and finishes at the Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. Ongoing infrastructural upgrades and seasonal winter hazards have raised alarm bells to severe traffic congestion and volatile driving conditions, and motorists are urged to plan, adjust their driving, and remain highly vigilant.

Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane explained that it is paramount to the organisation that the marathon is safe for everyone.  

“The National Traffic Police, provincial officers, SAPS, and municipal authorities will be deployed heavily across the network to enforce compliance. We ask for patience, tolerance, and extreme caution from all road users. Do not park illegally along the N3 or obstruct emergency lanes.”

What can motorists expect?

1. Ongoing Roadworks and Construction Bottlenecks

Significant road upgrades and construction projects are currently active in and around the Pietermaritzburg area and along key sections of the N3 corridor. Following severe traffic disruptions during the previous “Up Run,” law enforcement and race organisers have established integrated traffic mitigation plans. However, delays are still highly likely. 

• Lane Reductions: Various construction zones have restricted lanes, resulting in sudden bottlenecks. Motorists must strictly adhere to temporary speed limits and signage. Construction is taking place on the following zones: between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, Estcourt and Nottingham Road, Paradise Valley and Westville viaduct.

• Finish Line Bottlenecks: Expect major delays around the Scottsville Racecourse precinct in Pietermaritzburg.

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2. Critical Winter Road Safety Hazards

As South Africa enters peak winter, the KZN interior presents distinct seasonal hazards that demand absolute driver focus:

• Dense Winter Fog: The areas around Van Reenen Pass, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, and Hilton are prone to thick, sudden blanket fog during the early morning and late evening hours. Reduce speed, increase following distances, and utilise fog lights. Do not use high beams.

• Black Ice: With temperatures dipping sharply overnight, early-morning travellers should watch out for patches of black ice on the asphalt, particularly in shaded mountain passes and on bridges.

• Fatigue Management: Many spectators and support crews will be driving after minimal sleep. Authorities advise stopping every two hours or 200km to combat driver fatigue.

3. General Race Day Road Closures

The Comrades Marathon route will be systematically closed to all vehicular traffic on Sunday, June 14, from early morning until the 12-hour cut-off in the evening.

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Alternative routes, such as the N3 highway, will remain open for through-traffic but will experience heavy volumes.

Officials strongly recommend that spectators utilise designated shuttle services, carpool where possible, and arrive at their destination several hours ahead of schedule.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor live traffic apps, local radio stations, and official Comrades Marathon social media channels for real-time traffic updates and route adjustments.

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