Construction workers block N3 at Durban’s Spaghetti Junction, police reopen two lanes

Construction workers downed tools and blocked the N3 freeway at Durban’s EB Cloete Interchange widely known as Spaghetti Junction on Wednesday, bringing traffic to a standstill before two lanes were reopened.

What happened on the N3

Workers linked to South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) subcontractors walked onto the N3 near the EB Cloete Interchange wearing orange overalls and blocked the busy freeway. Traffic on the stretch came to a halt during the action.

Police response and lane reopening

Durban Metro Police Services teams responded to the road closure. Officers subsequently opened two lanes to traffic while the situation on the interchange remained managed by authorities.

Designated protest area and next steps

Police said the protestors are in a designated area alongside the N3. Durban Metro Police Services spokesperson Boysie Zungu said officials and the police will meet to discuss the protest.

“The officials involved and the police will meet to discuss the issues surrounding the protest,” Zungu said.

Project background

SANRAL has started work on a major upgrade of the N3 Corridor between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The upgrades to the 84km freeway will be implemented in phases over the next eight to 10 years. Phase 1 includes the sections between Cato Ridge and Pietermaritzburg, the Key Ridge realignment and the EB Cloete to Paradise Valley section.

This is a developing story and will be updated once more details are available.