The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed that the Ashburton Bridge on the N3 will be demolished over a weekend, starting from 8 pm on Friday, 16 May, until 5 am on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
During this period, full closures will be enforced at the Lynnfield and Market Road interchanges, affecting both northbound and southbound traffic access to the N3. The closures are necessary to safely dismantle the Ashburton Bridge as part of ongoing construction work.
SANRAL’s Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer, Jason Lowe, said traffic management teams, supported by the Road Traffic Inspectorate, will oversee the diversion of vehicles onto the R103 alternative route.
The closure schedule is as follows:
- 16 May (Friday), 20:00 to 00:00: Initial closure to begin bridge demolition.
- 17 May (Saturday), 00:00 to 24:00: Full road closure for ongoing demolition work.
- 18 May (Sunday), 00:00 to 05:00: Final demolition, site cleanup, and reopening of the N3.
Alternative routes for motorists include:
- Northbound: Exit at Lynnfield off-ramp onto R103, re-enter N3 at Market Road.
- Southbound: Exit at Market Road interchange onto R103, re-enter N3 at Lynnfield.
- Pope Elis Drive: Controlled stop-and-go access for local residents only.
Signage and flag personnel will assist in guiding drivers along the diversion routes. SANRAL advises that the closure schedule may be adjusted due to weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, follow signage, drive cautiously, and expect delays.
Jason Lowe added, “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this necessary closure. The timing has been carefully chosen to minimise disruption during periods of low traffic volume.”
SANRAL thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during the essential infrastructure upgrade.