File: Holidaymakers have been warned of congestion on the N3 and changing weather conditions as they head home after the Easter weekend.
Image: Matthews Baloyi
Motorists travelling along the N3 Toll Route are being urged to plan ahead for heavy congestion and rapidly changing weather conditions as the Easter holiday period draws to a close.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) said traffic volumes are expected to surge on Monday and Tuesday, with between 1,500 and 2,500 vehicles per hour anticipated, particularly in the northbound direction towards Johannesburg.
N3TC chief operating officer, Thania Dhoogra, warned that a combination of high traffic volumes, fatigue, and adverse weather could disrupt traffic flow along key sections of the route.
“We encourage motorists to be prepared for changing travel conditions and to allow sufficient travel time for possible delays or emergencies,” Dhoogra said.
She advised road users to avoid last-minute or night-time travel where possible and to factor in rest stops and potential delays.
The route, which connects Durban and Gauteng, is expected to see increased volumes of public transport vehicles, freight trucks, and private cars as travellers return home following the long weekend and school holidays.
According to N3TC data, driver behaviour remains a leading cause of crashes. In 2022, driver error or negligence accounted for 83% of light motor vehicle crashes and 80% of heavy motor vehicle crashes along the route. Many incidents involved single vehicles losing control and leaving the roadway.
Head-on collisions, often linked to risky overtaking, and multi-vehicle crashes also remain a concern during peak travel periods.
“The force of impact in head-on crashes, and the severity of injuries sustained, are often fatal or life-altering,” Dhoogra said.
Motorists have also been reminded to exercise caution around heavy vehicles, noting the speed differential between trucks, buses, and lighter vehicles. Public transport vehicles are limited to 100 km/h, while heavy vehicles are restricted to 80 km/h, subject to posted limits.
Dhoogra cautioned against cutting in front of trucks or following too closely, warning that blind spots and sudden braking could result in serious incidents.
Road Traffic Inspectorate officials may implement traffic control measures along high-risk areas, including Van Reenen Pass, if required.
Additional emergency and safety resources have been deployed along the route, with N3TC’s Route Control Centre coordinating incident responses.
Authorities have urged motorists to adhere to basic road safety measures, including maintaining safe following distances, avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and driving sober.
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