The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users of temporary road closures on the N3 national road at the St James Avenue Interchange (Pavilion interchange) for the staging and placement of portal beams as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded St James Avenue bridge over the N3 national road.
“Construction continues on the upgraded St James Avenue Bridge, following its partial demolition at the end of March 2024. This closure is part of the ongoing progress in the upgrade of the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Geometrics Specialist Engineer.
SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.
The temporary road closures will take place as follows:
- Loop E Closures – traffic will be directed onto Ramp D to join the N3 eastbound ramps during these periods:
- From 22:00 – 04:30, Monday 17 March to Thursday 20 March 2025.
- N3 East Bound Carriageway Closures: traffic will be diverted via interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):
- From 22:00 to 04:30, Monday 14 April to Thursday 17 April 2025.
- N3 West Bound Carriageway Closures – traffic will be diverted via interchange ramps during these periods (exit 13 Spine Road):
- From 22:00 to 04:30, Thursday 24 April to Sunday 27 April 2025.
As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.
Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.
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 advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.
Closure Locations
N3 East Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):
- N3 East Bound fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
- The off-ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
- Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off-ramp and then back onto the N3 via the interchange on-ramp
N3 West Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):
- N3 West Bound is fully closed at St James Avenue Interchange (exit 13 Spine Road).
- The off-ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre will remain open.
- Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the interchange off-ramp and then back onto the N3 via the interchange on-ramp
Loop E Closures (Harry Gwala Rd to N3 Durban):
- Traffic will be accommodated to make a right turn at the intersection north of Loop E to join the N3 eastbound via Ramp D.
“SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling through the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction”, added Lowe.
