Cape Town — Motorists driving along the Van Reenen’s pass on the N3 route between Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and the Free State have been urged to find put their travels on hold as the road remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
It is reported that the roads are covered in snow and black ice, making the surface incredibly slippery, which is a hazard to all drivers along those routes. The N3 Toll concession warned that the situation is dire at the moment, with the weather and poor visibility making for dangerous driving conditions, TimesLIVE reported.
“The situation is dire with road users stranded and various crashes or other emergencies being reported. The N3TC Route Control Centre (RCC) is inundated with calls, and disaster management teams and all other emergency service resources remain under tremendous pressure,” Anita Heyl said.
Travel Advisory‼️
Motorists travelling between Gauteng and KZN are advised to delay their trip.
Snow continues to fall on the N3 between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KZN and many travellers have spent the night at filling stations along the roads. #N3TrafficAlert pic.twitter.com/Nu4TpjTTvK
— Road Traffic Management Corporation (@TrafficRTMC) September 21, 2024
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) urged motorists to delay travel to areas affected by the snowfall, with Department spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, said disaster management teams were actively monitoring conditions throughout the province.
The weather means the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll is closed, as well as the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg. The n2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River are under close observation.
He added the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre was co-ordinating multisectoral interventions to provide relief and facilitate the clearing of roads where necessary. The adverse weather conditions were expected to persist throughout Saturday.
KZN – N3 Route: #SNOW in the Midlands area – multiple sections along the N3 remain closed until further notice pic.twitter.com/kPVY60PJVV
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 21, 2024
The Border Management Authority (BMA) and stakeholders operating at the Sani Pass port of entry closed the port for operations on Saturday. This was due to the persistent snowfall at the port of entry, where the snow depth reached 6cm.
The BMA said the conditions leading to the Lesotho port have become hazardous underfoot.
“This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of travellers, tourists and officials as the current conditions pose a significant danger,” said BMA.
Arrive Alive issued an urgent notice to motorists and encouraged drivers to avoid all travel today and to remain at home to ensure the safety of all travellers, despite the excitement of the snowfall.
“Rescue workers are actively responding to emergencies, including efforts to assist those stranded overnight, and they are working tirelessly to locate and assist a cardiac emergency patient and children stranded in a bus. Please do not add to their burden by putting yourself at risk,” it said.
For your safety, and that of the rescue teams, we urge you to cancel any travel arrangements. The road conditions are extremely dangerous, and we ask everyone to prioritize safety above all else.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are stuck and with the courageous responders working to save lives.
The operations manager at the N3 Toll Concession, Thania Dhoogra, gives an update on the snow storm that has halted traffic on the N3 in Kwazulu-Natal. Some roads there, including Van Reenen’s Pass, remain closed to traffic as a safety precaution.
Watch: https://t.co/TdS2zk7ISm… pic.twitter.com/LavMP8whBW
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 21, 2024
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Picture: X/@TrafficSA
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
