The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has warned those taking the long road during the winter school holidays to plan their journey with extra caution due to freezing temperatures, dense fog, snow, strong winds and wildfires along the N3 toll road.
The N3 toll route winds through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal and the weather conditions in the various provinces can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas on the route.
According to the N3TC, he expects a significant increase in traffic this weekend with schools closing on Friday for the holidays. High traffic volumes are therefore expected over the weekend on the N3.
Peak traffic times on the N3 route are expected on Friday between 14:00 and 18:00 and Saturday between 06:00 and 12:00 in a southerly direction. The toll route is expected to be busy again in a northerly direction on Tuesday (July 18), when schools reopen.
An increase in traffic is also expected for the rest of the holiday weekends in both directions.
Wildfires
Large tracts of rural land adjacent to the N3 toll route are used for agriculture or form part of natural habitats.
According to Thania Dhoogra, operations manager of the N3 toll concession, these are high-risk areas for the outbreak and spread of wildfires, especially during the dry season that runs from June to October.
“As a precautionary measure, the N3TC burns strips in the road reserve every year, but runaway fires are still a threat. We rely on our neighbors and road users to help prevent wildfires,” says Dhoogra.
“Simple careless actions – such as throwing a burning cigarette butt out of a vehicle’s window or making a small fire and letting it burn unattended – have the potential to cause major damage to property and even loss of life.”
According to Dhoogra, runaway fires can flare up many kilometers away from the N3 route, but strong winds can drive these fires and cause them to spread quickly over vast areas.
In the event of a wildfire, the N3 toll concession recommends the following safety measures:
- Reduce speed immediately because the flames and thick smoke can obstruct visibility.
- If visibility is still good, continue to be extra vigilant in the area where the fire is raging.
- Turn on the vehicle’s headlights and emergency lights on the road and keep them visible to oncoming traffic.
- Do not attempt to drive through dense smoke. If visibility is poor, pull over in a safe place and switch on the car’s lights. Do not stop in the emergency lane.
- Keep the car’s windows and vents closed.
- Preferably do not leave the vehicle because the vehicle can offer the best protection against heat and smoke. If motorists have to leave the vehicle, they must cover their body, mouth and eyes and get as far away from the flames as possible.
- Make room for emergency vehicles and follow the orders of traffic and safety officials.
Storm
Cold fronts can bring freezing weather conditions, sleet and snow, especially in high-altitude areas such as the Van Reenen Pass between Ladysmith and Harrismith.
These weather conditions in turn cause roads to be wet and slippery and fog can affect visibility.
“Thunderstorms can cause slow-moving traffic, congestion and delays, which further puts pressure on motorists.
“If driving conditions become too dangerous, certain sections of the route may be temporarily closed to manage traffic flow.”
Dense fog can occur especially at night and early morning between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
“The N3TC encourages road users to postpone their journey if travel conditions are poor due to thunderstorms.”
‘Heed Warnings’
Motorists are advised to pay attention to changing road and weather conditions and to adapt their driving style accordingly. Dhoogra urges motorists to always be prepared for any event or emergency. “Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, emergency medication, enough water, food and refreshments, a flashlight and mobile phone chargers in your vehicle.”
Dhoogra encourages motorists to preferably travel during the day because trips in the evening present additional challenges. These include reduced visibility and the ability to judge speed and distance effectively and drivers becoming overtired at night.
Criminals also strike more often in the dark.
“Plan your routes carefully. Stop at petrol stations or truck stops, and keep others informed of the route you are taking, how you are progressing and your expected arrival time.”
- Any problems on the N3 can be reported to the 24-hour helpline on 0800 63 4357. Also follow the N3 toll concession on Twitter (@N3Route) for the latest traffic information on this route.
