The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) road will undergo a R1 billion upgrade over the next three years.

News of the N3 upgrade comes as Transport Minister Dipuo Peters identified Kwazulu Natal as having the most dangerous roads in the country.

Construction on the 60km stretch of N3 between Harrismith and Warden would begin this month and is expected to be completed by April 2017.

Roadmac Surfacing has been contracted to perform the reconstruction, while SNA Consulting Engineers designed the project and will oversee the execution of the project.

The most complex of the three construction projects from Cedara to Tweedie, near Howick, will begin in August, the Independent on Saturday reported. This R400 million expansion, over 14km, is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The third project is currently under way between Mooi River and Estcourt.

N3TC technical manager Douglas Judd said two additional lanes – one in each direction – would be constructed in the existing median to increase the route’s capacity in the high traffic zone. The Mngeni River Bridge would be expanded.

“We are committed to ensuring additional road capacity is added before traffic volumes increase to a level which may negatively impact on safety,” said Judd.

He said a comprehensive traffic management programme would minimise disruptions.

“There will, at all times, be at least one lane open to regulate the flow of traffic while construction is under way. No undue delays are anticipated,” said Judd.

Durban Chamber of Commerce chief executive Andrew Layman said the construction would have an adverse effect on the economy.

“These improvements will shorten the time it takes to travel from Durban to Joburg. But we have to be patient while the construction takes place.”

–The Independent on Saturday