Motorists travelling along the N3, particularly between Ladysmith and Harrismith, are being urged to exercise heightened caution on Thursday, 7 May 2026, as strong and sustained wind conditions continue to affect the corridor.
This comes as the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC) has warned that particularly severe gusts are being experienced across Van Reenen Pass, with speeds exceeding 70 km/h.
According to the N3TC, these persistent crosswinds between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State are already influencing driving stability along exposed and elevated sections of the highway. Consequently, motorists may encounter sudden handling challenges, while the likelihood of debris displacement and reduced visibility in certain stretches remains elevated.
In response, Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of N3TC, has called on road users to exercise caution and respond proactively to changing conditions, stating;
“Please heed all warnings, and approach high-lying areas with caution.”
She further stressed that extra care is required for motorists operating high-profile vehicles.
This includes those towing trailers or caravans, as well as heavy-duty trucks with elevated side structures or lighter loads, particularly along the exposed stretch between Ladysmith and Harrismith, where crosswinds are more pronounced.
“Road users should remain alert to changing weather and driving conditions, and adapt their driving behaviour to the prevailing conditions. For your safety and comfort, please keep extra blankets, warm clothing, emergency medication, sufficient drinking water, food supplies, a torch, and mobile phone chargers in your vehicle,” emphasised Dhoogra, adding that adverse weather conditions may result in traffic delays, congestion, or temporary road closures in the interest of road user and public safety.
Compounding the situation, the N3TC confirmed that its Route Operations teams, together with partners in the Road Incident Management System (RIMS), have been deployed along the N3 Toll Route.
Their presence is aimed at ensuring rapid incident response, coordinated traffic management, and immediate emergency assistance where required.
Ultimately, conditions along the N3 remain fluid and heavily influenced by sustained wind activity, particularly across elevated and exposed sections where stability can deteriorate rapidly.
As a result, the emphasis remains on maintaining strict operational coordination and ensuring that interventions are executed timeously as conditions shift, with road user safety continuing to take precedence over all other considerations.
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