N3 Closure Alert! Westville to Paradise Valley Shutdown Coming!
Heads up, Durban motorists! The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced a temporary full closure of the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley. This is to allow for the demolition of the Langford Road Bridge as part of the ongoing N3 upgrade project.
According to SANRAL's Jason Lowe, this demolition is a crucial step in improving capacity and safety on the N3 and the eThekwini road network. The previous phase involved the demolition and reconstruction of the Lancaster Terrace bridge, which is now nearing completion.
When will the N3 be closed?
Mark your calendars! The N3 will be fully closed in both directions between St James Avenue and the M7 Farningham Ridge Interchange from:
- 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Until 5:00 AM on Monday, August 25, 2025
That's a full weekend closure, so plan your travel accordingly!
What's the alternative route?
SANRAL advises heavy vehicles traveling south to use the M7. Heavy vehicles heading east and north should also consider alternative routes to avoid major delays. You can find a detailed map of the closure and an alternative route guide on the SANRAL website: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern.
What's next after the demolition?
Once the Langford Road Bridge is demolished, traffic will be diverted to the soon-to-be-opened Lancaster Terrace bridge. A temporary steel bridge will also be constructed near the current Langford Road bridge to provide pedestrian access until the new bridge is completed. This project will ultimately allow for the addition of extra lanes on the N3 below, easing congestion in the long run.
SANRAL emphasizes that full traffic accommodation plans are in place to ensure the safety of road users and the construction team. Stay updated on the progress and plan your journeys accordingly!