Authorities have reported significant traffic congestion on the N3 Toll Route near Harrismith due to a truck obstruction.
Image: RTMC
There is significant traffic congestion on the N3 highway near Harrismith in the Free State due to trucks blockading the road, authorities have advised motorists to delay their travel.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) confirmed that multiple trucks are obstructing both the northbound and southbound lanes at 42nd Hill, specifically at N3-7X 36.0 N near the Harrismith North Interchange (I/C 34).
The incident, reported shortly before 6am, has resulted in traffic being "stacked" at the scene. This closure is creating substantial delays for commuters travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, two of South Africa's busiest economic hubs.
The reason for the blockade has not been reported at this stage. All Road Incident Management System (RIMS) partners are on scene, supporting the SAPS Public Order Policing (POP) unit, the N3TC said.
In a statement released on Friday morning, the N3TC urged road users to avoid the area until the obstruction is cleared.
"N3TC recommends that road users delay their travels to the area until further notice," the N3TC said in a statement.
Recovery teams are expected to arrive at the scene to clear the wreckage, but no timeline has been provided for when the lanes will be reopened.
Motorists already on the route have been encouraged to stay updated via digital platforms or contact emergency services directly for real-time information.
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