The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced temporary road closures on the N3 near the EB Cloete Interchange, also known as Spaghetti Junction, to facilitate the placement of concrete beams for the new Candella Bridge.
The closures will affect both the East Bound and West Bound carriageways between the EB Cloete and Sherwood interchanges on the nights of January 22 and January 23, 2025. Each closure will last eight hours, from 20:00 to 04:00, as follows:
- N3 West Bound Closure: 20:00, Wednesday 22 January 2025, to 04:00, Thursday 23 January 2025.
- N3 East Bound Closure: 20:00, Thursday 23 January 2025, to 04:00, Friday 24 January 2025.
Project Details
The work is part of SANRAL’s broader initiative to upgrade the N2/N3 network and reduce long-term traffic congestion in the region. The Candella Bridge, originally constructed in the 1960s, is being modified to accommodate additional lanes as part of enhancements to the EB Cloete Interchange.
Traffic and Safety Measures
To ensure safety, SANRAL has implemented a comprehensive traffic accommodation plan, including:
- Advance warning signage.
- Barriers and traffic-calming measures.
- Reduced speed limits in construction zones.
Impact on Road Users
- Trucks and Heavy Vehicles: Advised to delay trips or use staging areas to minimize congestion.
- Public Transport Operators: Should adjust schedules and inform drivers about closures and alternative routes.
- Light Vehicles and Emergency Services: Encouraged to use alternative routes.
Closure Details
1. N3 West Bound Closure (Durban to Pinetown):
- Full closure at Sherwood Interchange. Traffic redirected via the Sherwood offramp.
- Sherwood West Bound on-ramp closed; vehicles must use Jan Smuts Highway or the N3 East Bound.
2. N3 East Bound Closure (Pinetown to Durban):
- Ramps at EB Cloete Interchange will be closed, including:
- N2 South Bound to N3 East Bound (King Shaka International Airport to Durban).
- N3 East Bound from N2 North/South (Pinetown to Umhlanga/Amanzimtoti).
- N2 North Bound to N3 East Bound (Amanzimtoti to Durban).
Public Advisory
“Road users are urged to plan their routes in advance, leave earlier to avoid delays, and adhere to all warning signs and speed restrictions near the construction zones,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL Project Manager for the Eastern Region.
SANRAL expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and patience as it undertakes this critical project to improve traffic flow and infrastructure in the region.
Detailed alternative route information is available on SANRAL’s website.