For anyone commuting between Durban and the interior, this is the most significant disruption in months. But there is a clear plan in place. Knowing the details is the difference between a smooth alternative route and being stuck in a frustrating queue.
Why This is Happening: The Big Picture
This is all part of the long-term project to upgrade the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley, a corridor notorious for congestion. The specific goal this weekend is to install a new height restriction gantry and place the massive portal beams for the upgraded M13 Paradise Valley off-ramp bridge.
In short, they are building the skeleton of a new bridge over the N3. This kind of precise, heavy work cannot be done safely with live traffic flowing underneath. Hence, the need for a full closure. SANRAL’s Jason Lowe has framed this as “vital progress” to alleviate long-term traffic woes, asking for the public’s patience during this short-term pain.
Your Night by Night Detour Guide
The closures are scheduled during lower-traffic overnight periods, from 8pm until 4:30am the following morning. Here is your essential guide to navigating the disruptions.
From Friday, October 24 to Saturday, October 25, both the eastbound and westbound lanes will be closed simultaneously. If you’re heading towards Durban, you’ll be diverted off the N3 onto the M1 Richmond Road, then onto the M13 to rejoin the N3. If you’re heading west towards Pinetown, you’ll be diverted onto the M13 via the Paradise Valley off-ramp.
On Saturday and Sunday nights, the eastbound closure shifts to the M7 Pinetown interchange. Westbound traffic will continue to be diverted via the M13. The pattern repeats on Sunday into Monday morning.
A Special Note for Trucks and Heavy Vehicles
SANRAL is making a direct appeal to the freight industry. Truck drivers are strongly advised to delay their trips during this period if possible, find a safe place to stage their vehicles, or pre-plan a reroute using the M13 or M1 to avoid becoming stuck in major congestion that will affect all road users.
The message for everyone is simple: plan ahead. Check your route before you leave, and allow a lot of extra time for your journey. While the closures are during the night, the setup and breakdown of such a large operation can have ripple effects on surrounding roads. This weekend, a little bit of planning will save you a lot of time and stress.
