Multi-vehicle crash disrupts traffic on N3 Toll Route near Tugela Plaza

A multi-vehicle crash involving a public transport vehicle caused disruptions on the N3 Toll Route near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal early on Thursday morning.

The collision occurred just south of Tugela Plaza at about 7.25am, according to the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which confirmed that several vehicles were involved in the incident.

The incident comes as traffic volumes begin to build ahead of the Easter holiday period, one of the busiest times on the route linking Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and were attending to those affected. Authorities have not yet released details regarding injuries or fatalities.

The N3TC said traffic was being diverted around the crash site, with no significant delays reported at the time of the alert. However, motorists were urged to approach the area with caution.

“Road users are requested to approach the crash scene with caution,” the concessionaire said in its traffic advisory.

The N3 is expected to see a sharp increase in buses, taxis and private vehicles transporting travellers over the Easter holiday period.

The N3TC has warned that southbound traffic towards KwaZulu-Natal is expected to pick up later on Thursday between midday and 7pm, and again on Friday morning between 4am and 10am.

Traffic volumes are expected to remain spread out due to the ongoing school holidays, which began last week.

However, significantly heavier congestion is anticipated on the return leg towards Gauteng early next week.

Peak northbound traffic is expected between 10am and 8pm on Monday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 7, as holidaymakers return home.

Motorists have been encouraged to monitor real-time traffic updates via the N3TC’s social media platforms or contact its 24-hour helpline in the event of emergencies.

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