Just a few hours before the world welcomes 2023, congested traffic conditions have been reported on the N3 Tollway route, with a volume of more than 1 500 vehicles per hour recorded at peak times.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) says it will increase the volume of northbound traffic to Gauteng as travelers return home.
Hourly vehicles
Traffic forecasts indicate that a volume of between 1 500 and 2 000 vehicles per hour can be reached between 15:00 and 21:00 from tomorrow until January 3, 2023.
Thania Dhoogra, N3TC’s operations manager, said that when the volume is so high, the road becomes congested, which increases the risk of accidents, breakdowns, and other roadside emergencies.
“In these circumstances, traffic may be slower and unexpected delays may occur.
“We advise road users to expect the unexpected, and to plan for additional challenges that may arise in peak conditions.
“Please be patient and considerate. Frustrated drivers become reckless which can lead to life-threatening decisions,” urged Dhoogra.
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Travel plans
Dhoogra advised road users to plan their journeys outside of peak times.
“But we know that this is not possible, and because of this, additional law enforcement and emergency services have been deployed along the N3 Toll Route to improve route safety.
“The road incident management service maintains a higher presence on the route during the peak season.”
Van Reenen’s Pass
He said that for safety, traffic control measures could be implemented to regulate traffic flow and limit congestion, especially along Van Reenen’s Pass.
“All motorists are requested to participate in efforts to keep traffic flowing by obeying the rules of the road at all times, and by taking responsibility for their own safety and that of other road users,” said Dhoogra.
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