By Lerato Mpembe
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has confirmed that the N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass has been reopened after a severe snowstorm wreaked havoc across the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This follows the closure of the pass, which left countless motorists stranded overnight as emergency services worked tirelessly to clear the roads. The snowstorm, which began on Friday, blanketed the region, causing a major shutdown of several key routes, including the N3, a critical artery linking Johannesburg to Durban.
As of this morning, one lane has been reopened to traffic, allowing stranded motorists to begin their journey once more. Rescue operations have been concentrated around the Swinburne and Montrose areas, where graders and emergency crews are still at work, ensuring that the route is fully safe for passage. Authorities have urged motorists to proceed with caution, especially with ongoing concerns about black ice forming on the roads, which poses significant danger in freezing temperatures.
Heavy Snowfall Brings N3 Traffic to a Standstill
On Friday evening, as temperatures plummeted and snow began to accumulate, the N3 Toll Route became impassable, leading to the closure of several sections of the highway. Motorists traveling from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal found themselves stranded, with many spending hours or even the entire night in freezing conditions. The South African Weather Service had issued Level 6 warnings for disruptive snow across the Midlands, urging travelers to delay their journeys.
Despite the warnings, hundreds of motorists, including heavy vehicles, were caught in the storm. Rescue teams, working alongside the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and local community groups, provided essential aid to those affected, distributing blankets, food, and medical supplies. The severity of the snowstorm led to dangerous driving conditions, with black ice causing several accidents.
Tragic Loss of Life
The situation turned particularly tragic when one individual, a passenger in a taxi, died from hypothermia after spending the night in the vehicle. The cold conditions were too much for the individual, who collapsed after attempting to seek shelter at a nearby shopping center. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, the person passed away before reaching the hospital. This tragic event underscores the harshness of the weather and the risks associated with such extreme conditions.
For more information on this heartbreaking incident, visit Central News.
Rescue Operations: Heroes of the N3
Despite the dangers posed by the snowstorm, many have lauded the efforts of the disaster management teams, the South African Red Cross, and local humanitarian organizations who worked through the night to assist those stranded on the N3. Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of N3TC, extended heartfelt thanks to the various teams who ensured that stranded motorists received help, stating, “Your selfless efforts exemplify dedication and compassion in action. You are the real heroes of the N3 Toll Route.”
Many of these rescue teams continued to brave the elements, providing assistance to families and truck drivers stranded along the highway, particularly in the Van Reenen’s Pass region, where the snow was heaviest. The South African Red Cross tweeted: “We’re here to provide comfort and support, no matter the weather. Stay safe and reach out if you need help!” This sentiment was echoed by MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma, who commended the tireless work of the rescue teams and the community efforts to provide relief.
Road Safety and Continuing Challenges
As the N3 slowly reopens, officials continue to stress the importance of safety on the roads. Black ice, an almost invisible layer of ice that forms on the road surface, remains a significant risk. The N3 Toll Concession, in collaboration with SANRAL, has been applying brine solutions to mitigate the formation of black ice, but motorists are still urged to drive cautiously and follow the instructions of road traffic officers.
Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, stated: “Motorists are advised to exercise caution, particularly on high-altitude sections of the highway where ice could still form. Please reduce your speed, maintain safe following distances, and avoid sudden maneuvers.” This follows reports of numerous accidents caused by icy patches on the road, which have further slowed rescue efforts.
Roads Still Affected and Ongoing Work
While the reopening of Van Reenen’s Pass is a positive development, several other roads in the region remain closed or only partially open due to the lingering effects of the snowstorm. The following roads have been reopened:
• N11: Ladysmith to Newcastle
• R33: Vryheid to Dundee
• R34: Newcastle to VryheidHowever, the R34 from Newcastle to Memel and other higher-altitude routes are still closed as graders continue to work on clearing the heavy snow. The N2 from Richards Bay to Piet Retief is open but conditions remain challenging due to fog and icy roads.
Local authorities have asked travelers to avoid unnecessary trips, and many schools and businesses in the affected regions remain closed due to the weather. MEC Duma emphasized that more resources, including graders and rescue personnel, are being deployed to ensure all roads are cleared as quickly as possible.
Impact on Travel and Economic Activities
The N3 is one of South Africa’s most critical transport corridors, linking Johannesburg to the bustling Durban port. The closure of Van Reenen’s Pass has already had significant economic repercussions, particularly for freight companies and businesses reliant on the free flow of goods between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. While graders work around the clock to clear the road, the delays caused by the snowstorm are expected to have a knock-on effect on supply chains.
The reopening of the N3 is a crucial step in restoring normal traffic flow, but with cold weather expected to persist, businesses and transport companies are bracing for further disruptions. Experts warn that similar weather events could become more common in the future due to climate change, prompting calls for better preparedness and infrastructure upgrades to deal with extreme weather.
Social Media Reaction: A Community United
On social media, the situation has sparked a wave of responses, with many praising the efforts of the rescue teams and emergency personnel. On X (formerly Twitter), users shared their experiences of being stranded on the N3, with some posting heartwarming stories of how local farmers and community members provided food and shelter to those in need.
One post read, “Huge shoutout to the brave rescue workers and community heroes who went above and beyond to help everyone stuck in the snow on the N3! You guys are the real MVPs!” Another added, “The cold was unbearable, but we’re so thankful for the kind souls who gave us blankets and hot drinks while we waited for the road to clear.”
The official N3TC X account also shared updates throughout the weekend, keeping the public informed about the progress of the rescue efforts and the reopening of the road. Their latest post read, “We are pleased to report that one lane of the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass has been reopened. Please continue to exercise caution as we work to clear the remaining snow and ice.”
Download Here:
Central News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate