The wider picture
The N3 upgrade project is designed to reduce chronic traffic congestion and improve safety standards. This critical infrastructure project is part of a larger effort to enhance one of South Africa’s key freight and commuter arteries. The upgrade will expand the N3 from two northbound and three southbound lanes to four northbound and five southbound lanes, with a total project cost of R1.91 billion.
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the N3 Northbound carriageway at the Market Road Overpass will be fully closed from 9 PM to 5 AM. This closure is necessary to facilitate the installation of soffit beams for the new Market Road overpass bridge. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative closure date has been set for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Traffic management teams, including the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will actively monitor the closure to ensure safety and minimize disruption. Light vehicles are advised to use the Ashburton Interchange northbound off-ramp as an alternative route. However, trucks and heavy vehicles are urged to delay trips during the closure period to avoid major congestion.
Jason Lowe, a spokesperson for the project, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the road closures, stating, “We understand that these road closures cause major disruption and have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimized.” He further advised, “Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try to delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion.”
Public transport operators are also being urged to inform drivers of any route changes due to the closure. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has expressed its apologies for the inconvenience and appreciates the public’s patience during these significant road enhancements.
The construction is part of a broader infrastructure project aimed at improving the overall traffic flow and safety on the N3. Observers expect that once completed, the upgrades will significantly alleviate congestion and enhance the travel experience for all users of this vital roadway.
As the closure date approaches, officials will continue to provide updates and guidance to ensure that all road users are well-informed of the changes. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may be implemented to further assist with traffic management during this period.
