Transport Minister Dipuo Peters officially opened the Dr Chota Motala Interchange in Pietermaritzburg this weekend.

The R442 million interchange will better link the Pietermaritzburg central business district, northern suburbs and the freeway. The N3 is the busiest route from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal. The current traffic volume on the N3 is approximately 40 400 vehicles per day in both directions. Approximately 8 200 heavy vehicles use the N3 daily, with as many as 45% being long or super-link vehicles. The new interchange will help reduce traffic congestion and long delays for motorists and commuters.

The interchange consists of a new third-level ramp over the N3 from Chota Motala Road and a six-lane river bridge crossing to accommodate traffic between the interchange and the city. The N3 off-ramp has been widened to three lanes to prevent congestion on the N3 between the Midlands Mall and Chota Motala Road. Allowance has also been made for a future south-east loop ramp to ease north-bound traffic between the N3 and eastern Pietermaritzburg.

Peters said the opening of the interchange is a significant milestone in government’s endeavour to improve and develop sustainable transport infrastructure and services. She added that the project was no easy feat to achieve.

“A project of this magnitude, which speaks volumes for itself – is a true reflection of our efforts to enhance the social and economic development of our country through a sound and sustainable transportation system,” Peters said at the official opening.

Chota Motala, wife of the late Dr Chota Motala was also present at the opening. The interchange was named after Motala in recognition of his contribution to improving the lives of disadvantaged people.

Upgrading the N3 corridor

This project is one of many for the N3 corridor, which forms the backbone of SIP2. SANRAL is currently planning for the upgrading of the N3 corridor between Durban and Gauteng, including the planned De Beers Pass around Van Reenen’s Pass. Peters said funding for this multibillion rand project will be a major hurdle and government will need to consider various funding models to ensure that we deliver on this very important corridor.

“Growth and development require a continuous effort to improve infrastructure and it is only though projects such as the Dr Chota Motala Interchange that we can progress and prosper whilst building bridges for our nation so that the unity which underpins our common efforts is reinforced,” said Peters.