The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists of temporary closures on the Ramps at EB Cloete Interchange and the N3 freeway to allow for the safe demolition of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge and associated infrastructure works near the EB Cloete Interchange. The closures are part of SANRAL’s upgrade works at the EB Cloete Interchange and surrounding freeway network.
“SANRAL remains committed to minimising disruption wherever possible and ensuring all construction activities meet the highest safety standards. These temporary closures are necessary to facilitate work that supports the long-term expansion of the N2 and N3, including the removal of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge and preparation of deep foundation structures,” said Corne Roux, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager.
The public is urged to take note of the details below and plan their routes in advance.
SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long-term traffic congestion in the area.
Closure locations & times
1. N3 Westbound; Durban to Pinetown – Full Closure of the N3 as well as the N3 Westbound Ramp: from N2 Northbound (Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)
Between EB Cloete Interchange and Spine Road/ St James Avenue Off-Ramp.
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 09:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
This closure is required for the safe demolition of the Thames Pedestrian Bridge structure that spans the N3 corridor. This route for the N3 Westbound will be fully reopened once the area has been cleared of all debris and is safe for
2. N3 Eastbound; Pinetown to Durban, as well as the Loop Ramps from Westville to Durban, also Spine Road to Durban – Full Closure
Immediately after Spine Road/ St James Avenue Off-Ramp from the N3.
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
Full 24-hour closure of this route is required to support bridge removal and associated protection works.
3. N2 Southbound (Umhlanga to N3 Westbound Pinetown) – Ramp Closure at Spaghetti Junction – Ramp to N3 Pinetown.
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
This closure will also allow for deep excavation and foundational works beneath the freeway in preparation for infrastructure construction for the bridge upgrade programme.
This initiative forms part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along the N3 corridor.
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 and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.
Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management, are advised to make use of alternative 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.
Alternative routes
1. N3 Westbound Closures (Durban to Pinetown)
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 09:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
- N3 Westbound fully closed at EB Cloete Interchange (aka “Spaghetti Junction”)
- N2 Northbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Durban to Umhlanga)
- N2 Southbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Durban to Amazimtoti)
2. N2 Northbound Closures (Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 09:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
- N3 Westbound off-ramp closed (coming from Amanzimtoti to Pinetown)
- N3 Eastbound off-ramp will remain open (coming from Amanzimtoti to Durban)
- The N2 North and South mainlines will remain open
2. N3 Eastbound Closures (Pinetown to Durban)
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
- N3 Eastbound to Durban fully closed at the St James / Spine Road Interchange
- The N3 off-ramp to Westville will remain open at the St James / Spine Road Interchange
3. N2 Southbound Closure (Umhlanga to Pinetown)
From 18:00, Saturday 26 July 2025 to 18:00, Sunday 27 July 2025
- N2 southbound off-ramp to the N3 Pinetown closed
- The N2 North and South mainlines will remain open
- N2 Southbound off-ramp to the N3 to Durban will remain open
- From 09:00 on Sunday, 27 July 2025, motorists travelling south from the North Coast to Pinetown should use the off-ramp to the N3 to Durban (at the Spaghetti Junction) and take the off-ramp to Sherwood, head south on the M13 and then take the N3 on-ramp at Sherwood to Pinetown. Alternatively, take the M19 from Umgeni Interchange to Pinetown.
