Prepare your drivers for inclement weather and possible dangerous road conditions. This is the warning from N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) as the first real cold front of the winter season starts moving inland.

N3TC and the related N3 Toll Route emergency services, law enforcement agencies and disaster management are gearing up to ensure the safety of  road users should conditions along the route become treacherous.

The cold front expected to be accompanied by strong winds over many areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng; and snowfall can be expected in high-lying areas.

Along the N3 Toll Route, Van Reenen’s Pass between Harrismith and Ladysmith is prone to high winds, icy conditions and snow; and is constantly monitored by N3TC and the associated Incident Management services such as Ladysmith RTI and SAPS.

WeatherSA has warned N3TC to be prepared for very cold and wet conditions, which may lead to icy road surfaces in Van Reenen’s Pass between Thursday (5 June) and Sunday (8 June).

N3TC, the concessionaire responsible for the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal, is issuing an urgent warning to all road users, tourists and people living in high-lying areas to be prepared for the anticipated inclement weather; and to take the necessary measures to prepare for this possibility.

The N3TC teams are on full alert and ready to deal with any emergency along the N3 Toll Route. Every attempt will be made to limit risks to lives and ensure general safety along the route. If required, sections of the route may be closed to traffic if conditions are too dangerous and the area deemed inaccessible in the interests of the safety of the emergency response teams and motorists.  Closures will be communicated via the media, N3TC’s Twitter feed; and on its website www.n3tc.co.za

Emergency teams’ ability to address difficult situations and clear the route as quickly as possible, depends heavily on road users, including heavy vehicle operators, it is therefore essential to adhere to the emergency measures that may be put in place and limit travel if closures are implemented.

Con Roux, commercial manager of N3TC  says, “During these extreme weather conditions, it is essential for everyone to pull together to ensure safety along the route and minimise incidents associated with icy conditions that may materialise due to a drop in temperatures and onset of rain. It is essentially about saving lives and minimising delays.”

N3TC has pre-mixed brine, a simple snow blower and snow ploughs ready at Van Reenen’s Pass to limit the impact of possible snowfall and associated dangerous traveling situations. The company has teamed-up with local law enforcement and disaster relief agencies to ensure the well-being and safety of affected motorists.

In a final appeal, N3TC requests that the general traveling public be aware of road conditions and choose appropriate times to travel.  Be cognisant of weather warnings and the need for the possibility of associated closures; make sure that you are prepared before departure and pack extra blankets, food and refreshments in your vehicle in the event of a lengthy closure.  Taking care of your drivers’ or family’s wellbeing is essential.  Be prepared and heed warnings.

Road users can confirm the status of travel conditions with N3TC’s 24-hour Customer Careline on 0800 N3 Help (0800 63 4357) or get real-time traffic updates by following N3TC on Twitter: @N3Route.