The N3 highway going into Durban is currently closed due to a chemical spillage.
Plastic containers holding chemicals of an “acid nature” on the back of a large truck fell over near the EB Cloete Interchange, also known as Spaghetti Junction, posing a health threat to motorists in the vicinity.
Citizens are therefore advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.
Local authorities are on the scene for assistance and further investigations.
More traffic expected
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) Company has warned motorists planning to make the trek between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this Father’s Day long weekend using the N3 freeway that they should expect heightened levels of traffic.
Southbound traffic towards Durban is anticipated to gradually increase from midday Friday, 14 June, with busy conditions expected between 14h00 and 18h00, which are expected to continue on Saturday morning until about noon.
Northbound traffic towards Gauteng is likely to increase on Monday, 17 June, but since it is also the winter school holiday until 8 July 2024, traffic volumes are not expected to be extraordinarily high.
In an attempt to ensure the safety, convenience, and mobility of all road users, N3TC’s toll plazas will be operating at maximum capacity on peak traffic days.
Additionally, the N3TC Route Services teams will be fully deployed on the road to provide incident management services and support citizens in distress.
Road users should also expect strict law enforcement and road safety checkpoints over the entire weekend, where vehicle roadworthy checks, public transport compliance, random alcohol and drug screening tests, and pedestrian safety checks may be conducted.
“N3TC advises road users to always be prepared for any eventuality. Pay attention to changing road and weather conditions, and heed warnings,” said the entity.
“Drivers are reminded to always adapt their driving style to the prevailing conditions. Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, emergency medication, sufficient water, food and refreshments, a torch, and mobile phone chargers in your vehicle.”
