Temporary closure of N3 for the demolition of the Murray/Gladys Manzi road overpass bridge

Tags

---

03-09-2026
Read : 28 times
Stop Over
Source

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary closure of the N3 and Murray/Gladys Manzi Road for the demolition of the Murray/Gladys Manzi Road overpass bridge.

“Construction on the upgraded Market Road interchange, including the new link from Market Road to Cleland Road is nearing completion and will soon be open to traffic. Once open the next phase of construction includes replacement of the existing Murray/Gladys Manzi bridge over the N3. This is required as the existing bridge opening is not wide enough to accept the additional N3 lanes below. Traffic currently using Murray/Gladys Manzi Road will be able to cross the N3 via the upgraded Cleland Road and new Market Road link over the N3,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Geometrics Specialist Engineer.

The temporary closures will take place as follows:

• N3 full closure (both directions):
• Fully closed from 18:00, Saturday 5 September 2026 to 05:00, Monday 7 September 2026 between the Ashburton and Market Road Interchanges
• Murray/Gladys Manzi Road full closure (both directions):
• Fully closed from 18:00, Saturday 5 September 2026 to 05:00, Monday 7 September 2026 between Ivy Road and Hereford Circle for demolition
• Remains fully closed between Ivy Road and Hereford Circle until 31 August 2027 for reconstruction

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans and detour signage will be in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute using the alternative route options to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 Northbound Closure (Durban to Pietermaritzburg):

• N3 Northbound fully closed after the Ashburton off-ramp

N3 Southbound Closure (Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• N3 Southbound fully closed after the Market Road off-ramp

Alternative routes:

• N3 Northbound (during demolition period):
• Take the Ashburton interchange offramp
• Turn left onto Pope Ellis Drive
• Turn right onto the R103 towards Pietermaritzburg
• Turn right onto Market Road and back onto the N3 via the Market Road Interchange onramp
• N3 Southbound (during demolition period):
• Take the Market Road offramp
• Turn left onto the R103 towards Ashburton
• Turn left onto Pope Ellis Drive and back onto the N3 via Ashburton Interchange onramp
• Murray/Gladys Manzi Road (during demolition period and until 31 August 2027):
• Eastbound (Mkondeni/Cleland to Bellevue/Hayfields):
• From Hereford Circle and Murray/Gladys Manzi Road intersection travel towards the R103 (CB Downes Road)
• Turn right onto the R103 (CB Downes Road)
• Turn right onto Market Road
• Remain on the new Market Road link, over the N3 to Cleland Road
• Turn left onto Cleland Road and continue towards Murray/Gladys Manzi Road
• Westbound (Bellevue/Hayfields to Mkondeni/Cleland):
• From Murray/Gladys Manzi Road and Cleland Road intersection travel towards the new Market Road link/Cleland Road intersection (near Hayfields mall)
• Turn right onto the new Market Road link, over the N3 to Market Road
• Turn left onto the R103 (CB Downes Road)
• Turn left onto Murray/Gladys Manzi Road

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), have carefully planned the closures and will manage and monitor them for their full duration,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption, so we have planned for the demolition to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.” said Lowe.