The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) informs road users of road closures for bridge jacking at the EB Cloete Interchange (aka Spaghetti Junction), affecting the route from Pinetown (N3 Eastbound) to Amanzimtoti (N2 Southbound).
This major road network has been under significant stress for several years, with traffic volumes far exceeding the original design capacity of the EB Cloete Interchange and its feeder roads.
“These closures are necessary to facilitate the vertical jacking of the bridge deck at the EB Cloete Interchange, which impacts the route from Pinetown (N3 Eastbound) to Amanzimtoti (N2 Southbound),” said Corné Roux, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Engineer.
“The bridge will be raised and widened over the N2 and N3 as part of SANRAL’s extensive upgrade of the EB Cloete Interchange. This critical work, scheduled to take place over four consecutive weeks (with reserve dates allocated in case of inclement weather), will significantly improve the capacity and efficiency of this vital transport route,” said Roux”.
- Closure 1: From 14:00, Saturday 08 February 2025 to 02:00, Monday 10 February 2025 for the removal of existing barriers,
- Closure 2: From 14:00, Saturday 15 February 2025 to 02:00, Monday 17 February 2025 for the first stage of jacking,
- Closure 3: From 14:00, Saturday 22 February 2025 to 02:00, Monday 24 February 2025 for the second stage of jacking,
- Closure 4: From 14:00, Saturday 01 March 2025 to 02:00, Monday 03 March 2025 for the third stage of jacking,
Reserve dates (in case of inclement weather):
- Closure 5: From 14:00, Saturday 08 March 2025 to 02:00, Monday 10 March 2025 reserved date,
Please note that the remainder of the EB Cloete Interchange will remain open to traffic.
When travelling on the N3 Eastbound from Pinetown and intending to proceed to the N2 Southbound towards Amanzimtoti, the following alternative route is recommended:
- Continue on the N3 Eastbound towards Sherwood Interchange.
- Take the off-ramp.
- Turn right onto Jan Smuts Highway (M13).
- Turn right back onto N3 Eastbound.
- On approaching EB Cloete Interchange take the offramp to the N2 Southbound (towards Amanzimtoti).
“To ensure safety for both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place, with signage, barriers, and traffic-calming measures already installed.
“Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to delay trips over these times or use staging areas to minimize congestion. Public transport operators should ensure drivers are aware of route closures and alternative routes affecting their schedules. Light vehicles and emergency services are encouraged to utilize alternative routes,” added Roux.
A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern
All road users are strongly advised to plan routes in advance and leave for destinations earlier than usual to avoid delays.
SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route is reduced during construction.
SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.
