With the approaching long weekend for Women's Day, drivers using the N3 toll road are advised to prepare for a significant increase in traffic and harsh weather conditions, including snow and cold fronts, which could make journeys dangerous.
Drivers traveling on the N3 toll road during the long weekend for Women's Day have been warned to prepare for heavy traffic, ongoing roadworks, and deteriorating weather conditions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts snowfall in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Mpumalanga starting Sunday.
Traffic volumes on one of South Africa's busiest corridors for freight and tourist transport are expected to increase from Friday noon as holidaymakers head to KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Free State. The busiest return period is anticipated on Tuesday afternoon.
The 415 km N3 toll road connects Heidelberg in Gauteng with Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and serves significant volumes of passenger and freight traffic year-round.
Drivers should also expect delays at several construction sites between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, and Estcourt and Nottingham Road. Although lane restrictions will be in effect throughout the weekend, at least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times, and closures are planned to minimize peak hour delays.
The Chief Operating Officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), Tania Dhoogra, urged drivers to prepare in advance for increased traffic and changing driving conditions. She advised: 'Road users should plan ahead, be prepared, stay informed, and adapt their driving style to prevailing conditions.'
This warning comes against the backdrop of SAWS forecasts that a cold front accompanied by an upper trough will reach the coasts of the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday before moving east. Snow is expected in the mountainous regions of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Mpumalanga by Monday, while widespread rain, strong winds, and icy conditions may pose a threat to travel.
SAWS has warned that the weather system could trigger localized flooding on low-lying roads and bridges, falling trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions. Very low temperatures are also expected in the affected regions, and snow on mountain passes could lead to road closures and transport disruptions.
Although clear weather and mild conditions are forecast at the start of the long weekend, Dhoogra noted that weather along the route can change rapidly. Drivers passing through higher sections of the N3 should remain vigilant regarding sudden drops in temperature, black ice, dense fog, rain, and possible snowfall.
Strong August winds and grassland fires can also reduce visibility and cause dangerous crosswinds, especially for trucks, buses, and vehicles towing caravans or trailers. N3TC reported that its route operations teams and partners in the Road Incident Management System (RIMS) will be deployed at strategic points across the entire 415 km toll road between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal throughout the weekend to assist drivers if needed.
Dhoogra concluded: 'Every journey is an opportunity to protect the most important people. Travel safely, show consideration for others, and help every kilometer contribute to a safe arrival.'
Travelers are advised to monitor the latest SAWS forecasts and verified N3 traffic updates before setting off, especially if traveling through mountain passes where snowy and icy conditions may develop. Verified traffic updates are available via @N3Route on X, and drivers needing emergency assistance can call the N3 hotline at 0800 63 43 57.



