N3 (South Africa)
Encyclopedia
The N3 is a National Route in South Africa
, connecting Johannesburg
and Durban
, respectively South Africa's largest and third-largest cities. Johannesburg is the financial and commercial heartland of South Africa, while Durban is South Africa's key port
and one of the busiest ports in the Southern Hemisphere
and is also a holiday destination. Durban is the port through which Johannesburg import
s and export
s most of its goods. As a result, the N3 is a very busy highway and has a high volume of traffic.
and ending with section 12 in Johannesburg
. Between the two cities, the route passes the following towns and cities: Pietermaritzburg
, Estcourt
, Ladysmith
, Harrismith
, Heidelberg
and Germiston
. It no longer passes through any of these towns, as bypasses have been built around all of them.
Central Business District
at Pine Street and Commercial Road as a dual-carriageway freeway and heads west, passing through Berea
and Mayville before intersecting with the N2
at the EB Cloete Interchange. It then heads through Westville
before bypassing the south of Pinetown
. The route is then tolled at Mariannhill as it leaves the urban area, and then heads towards Cato Ridge. From Cato Ridge, the route passes Camperdown before turning towards the northwest and heading towards Pietermaritzburg
, the provincial capital.
After bypassing Pietermaritzburg
on the east and north, the N3 heads up a steep incline known as Town Hill before passing near Hilton
and Howick
; a road to the Southern Drakensberg
(the R619) leaves the N3 at Howick. The route then becomes rather pictureque as it heads through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passing through Mooi River (where another toll is located) before heading to Estcourt
. Just past Estcourt, access to the Central and Northern Drakensberg via the R74
is provided, before the N3 heads in the direction of Ladysmith
. The N3 passes Ladysmith to the west, with the N11
providing access to Ladysmith itself.
A few kilometers after the N11
interchange, the N3 is tolled once again; the dual-carriageway freeway also ending at this point. From here, the N3 ascends the South African plateau via Van Reenen's Pass; at the top of the pass, the N3 crosses into the Free State
.
, the N3 heads to Harrismith
, where the N5 leaves it (providing a route to Bloemfontein
and Cape Town
via the N1
). The N3 then heads to the north, and passes the town of Warden
. At Warden, the N3 becomes a single-carriageway freeway and heads towards Villiers
, where a toll is located. Immediately after Villers, the N3 crosses the Vaal River
and enters Mpumalanga
; the N3 also becomes a dual-carriageway freeway at this point.
in the direction of Heidelberg
. Just before reaching Heidelberg, the N3 is tolled; this also marks the point where the N3 crosses into Gauteng
. The N3 then bypasses Heidelberg before heading towards Johannesburg
.
On approaching Johannesburg
, the N3 passes the townships of Katlehong
and Vosloorus
before reaching Alberton
; here, it intersects with the N17
. Almost immediately afterwards, the N12
(the Southern Bypass
portion of the Johannesburg Ring Road
) merges with the N3, with the N3 then becoming the Eastern Bypass
portion of the Johannesburg Ring Road. The N3 then heads through Germiston
(where the M2
provides access to the Johannesburg Central Business District
) before heading to Bedfordview
, where the N12 leaves the N3 at the Gilooly's Interchange and provides access to the East Rand. From here, the N3 passes Edenvale
and Alexandra
before terminating at the Buccleuch Interchange just south of Midrand
and north of Sandton
, which is the point at which the N3, N1
and M1
converge.
and Ladysmith
, between Warden
and Villiers
, and between Heidelberg
and Johannesburg
.
The R103 is typically used to avoid the toll plazas on the N3, with one notable exception being the Tugela East Toll Plaza located on the R103 itself where the R103 and N3 meet north of Ladysmith
.
Most of the old N3 alignment within Durban
is designated as the M13
instead of having the usual R103 designation; the R103 diverges from the M13 in the suburb of Winston Park.
and Villiers
, the road is now dual carriageway
for its whole length between the two cities. The section between Johannesburg and Villiers is dual carriageway motorway. Between Villiers and the outskirts of Ladysmith, the road is undivided dual carriageway. Thereafter, the route to Durban is dual carriageway motorway. This last section is the second longest motorway by route number, but the longest on one stretch of road in South Africa.
. This would involve the diversion of the road to a new motorway over De Beer's Pass, as opposed to Van Reenen, which would cut 14 kilometres off the route. This has caused a huge outcry among residents of Harrismith and Van Reenen, who rely on passing traffic to sustain businesses such as restaurants, petrol stations, and holiday rest places. Proponents of the new road argue that the existing Van Reenen Pass is too steep for heavy trucks and exceeds the maximum gradient of 1:7 for an officially declared national road.
The N3 Toll Concession has stated that the De Beer's bypass will be required when daily traffic volumes reach 13,900 vehicles - the current traffic volume at Van Reenen is 11,000 vehicles, and based on projected increases in traffic volumes, the bypass will need to be operational by the end of 2014, with construction commencing in the second half of 2011.
A sixth toll plaza is likely to be constructed south of Warden when the De Beer's bypass (mentioned above) is built.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, connecting Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
and Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
, respectively South Africa's largest and third-largest cities. Johannesburg is the financial and commercial heartland of South Africa, while Durban is South Africa's key port
Port
A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land....
and one of the busiest ports in the Southern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere
The Southern Hemisphere is the part of Earth that lies south of the equator. The word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' or "half sphere"...
and is also a holiday destination. Durban is the port through which Johannesburg import
Import
The term import is derived from the conceptual meaning as to bring in the goods and services into the port of a country. The buyer of such goods and services is referred to an "importer" who is based in the country of import whereas the overseas based seller is referred to as an "exporter". Thus...
s and export
Export
The term export is derived from the conceptual meaning as to ship the goods and services out of the port of a country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to as an "exporter" who is based in the country of export whereas the overseas based buyer is referred to as an "importer"...
s most of its goods. As a result, the N3 is a very busy highway and has a high volume of traffic.
Route
The N3 is divided into 12 sections, starting with section 1 in DurbanDurban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
and ending with section 12 in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
. Between the two cities, the route passes the following towns and cities: Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838, and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its "purist" Zulu name is umGungundlovu, and this is the name used for the district municipality...
, Estcourt
Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal
Estcourt is a town in the uThukela District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The main economic activity is farming with large bacon and processed food factories situated around the town. The N3 freeway passes close to the town, linking it to the rest of South Africa.-Location:Estcourt is...
, Ladysmith
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production...
, Harrismith
Harrismith
Harrismith, named after Sir Harry Smith, is a large town in the Free State province of South Africa, situated on the N3 highway approximately midway between Johannesburg, about 300 km north-east, and Durban. The town is at the junction with the N5 highway, which continues west towards the...
, Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Gauteng
Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :...
and Germiston
Germiston, Gauteng
Germiston is a city in the East Rand of Gauteng in South Africa. Germiston is now the seat of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality which includes much of the East Rand, and is also considered part of Greater Johannesburg.-History:...
. It no longer passes through any of these towns, as bypasses have been built around all of them.
KwaZulu-Natal
The N3 begins in the DurbanDurban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
Central Business District
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
at Pine Street and Commercial Road as a dual-carriageway freeway and heads west, passing through Berea
Berea, Durban
The Berea is a ridge above the city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the northern side which overlooks the city centre and the Indian Ocean. Berea is also used as a collective designation for the suburbs in the area...
and Mayville before intersecting with the N2
N2 (South Africa)
The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in...
at the EB Cloete Interchange. It then heads through Westville
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
Westville is an area near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which is situated 20 km inland from the Durban city centre. Formerly an independent municipality governed by a Town Council, it now forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which also includes Durban...
before bypassing the south of Pinetown
Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
Pinetown is a small city just inland from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Pinetown is situated 16 km west of Durban at an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 feet . It was established in 1850 around the Wayside Hotel, itself built the year before along the main wagon route between Durban and...
. The route is then tolled at Mariannhill as it leaves the urban area, and then heads towards Cato Ridge. From Cato Ridge, the route passes Camperdown before turning towards the northwest and heading towards Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838, and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its "purist" Zulu name is umGungundlovu, and this is the name used for the district municipality...
, the provincial capital.
After bypassing Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838, and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its "purist" Zulu name is umGungundlovu, and this is the name used for the district municipality...
on the east and north, the N3 heads up a steep incline known as Town Hill before passing near Hilton
Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
Hilton is a small town that lies on the brow of the escarpment above Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 1872 the Reverend WO Newnham opened Hilton College here, one of South Africa's leading private schools....
and Howick
Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
Howick is a town located in the uMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The town is 1050 m above sea level, and about 88 kilometres from the port city of Durban. It enjoys warm summers and cool dry winters. A snappy chill descends upon Howick when snow falls on the nearby...
; a road to the Southern Drakensberg
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti...
(the R619) leaves the N3 at Howick. The route then becomes rather pictureque as it heads through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passing through Mooi River (where another toll is located) before heading to Estcourt
Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal
Estcourt is a town in the uThukela District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The main economic activity is farming with large bacon and processed food factories situated around the town. The N3 freeway passes close to the town, linking it to the rest of South Africa.-Location:Estcourt is...
. Just past Estcourt, access to the Central and Northern Drakensberg via the R74
R74 (KwaZulu-Natal)
The R74 is a Regional Route in South Africa that connects Harrismith with KwaDukuza via Bergville, Colenso and Greytown.-External links:*...
is provided, before the N3 heads in the direction of Ladysmith
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production...
. The N3 passes Ladysmith to the west, with the N11
N11 (South Africa)
The N11 is a National Route in South Africa, connecting the Botswana border at Grobler's Bridge with the N3 near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.-Route:...
providing access to Ladysmith itself.
A few kilometers after the N11
N11 (South Africa)
The N11 is a National Route in South Africa, connecting the Botswana border at Grobler's Bridge with the N3 near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.-Route:...
interchange, the N3 is tolled once again; the dual-carriageway freeway also ending at this point. From here, the N3 ascends the South African plateau via Van Reenen's Pass; at the top of the pass, the N3 crosses into the Free State
Free State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
.
Free State
After crossing into the Free StateFree State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
, the N3 heads to Harrismith
Harrismith
Harrismith, named after Sir Harry Smith, is a large town in the Free State province of South Africa, situated on the N3 highway approximately midway between Johannesburg, about 300 km north-east, and Durban. The town is at the junction with the N5 highway, which continues west towards the...
, where the N5 leaves it (providing a route to Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and...
and Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
via the N1
N1 (South Africa)
The N1 is a South African National Route, running from Cape Town to Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe. It is also the main road link between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and forms the first section of the famed Cape to Cairo Road....
). The N3 then heads to the north, and passes the town of Warden
Warden, Free State
Warden is a town situated in the Free State province of South Africa on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban. The town has one of the largest Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa, with seating for 1,750. It was named after the former Harrismith magistrate Charles Warden. It is also one...
. At Warden, the N3 becomes a single-carriageway freeway and heads towards Villiers
Villiers, Free State
Villiers is a small town situated on the banks of the Vaal River next to the N3 highway in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded in 1882 on the two farms Pearson Valley and Grootdraai owned by Lourens de Villiers.-Location:...
, where a toll is located. Immediately after Villers, the N3 crosses the Vaal River
Vaal River
The Vaal River is the largest tributary of the Orange River in South Africa. The river has its source in the Drakensberg mountains in Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg and about 30 km north of Ermelo and only about 240 km from the Indian Ocean. It then flows westwards to its conjunction...
and enters Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga , is a province of South Africa. The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area...
; the N3 also becomes a dual-carriageway freeway at this point.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng
The N3 then heads through the south-western tip of MpumalangaMpumalanga
Mpumalanga , is a province of South Africa. The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area...
in the direction of Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Gauteng
Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :...
. Just before reaching Heidelberg, the N3 is tolled; this also marks the point where the N3 crosses into Gauteng
Gauteng
Gauteng is one of the nine provinces of South Africa. It was formed from part of the old Transvaal Province after South Africa's first all-race elections on 27 April 1994...
. The N3 then bypasses Heidelberg before heading towards Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
.
On approaching Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, the N3 passes the townships of Katlehong
Katlehong, Gauteng
Katlehong is a township located 35 km east of Johannesburg and south of Germiston between two other townships of Thokoza and Vosloorus next to the N3 highway in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng Province of South Africa....
and Vosloorus
Vosloorus
Vosloorus is a township situated in Boksburg just east of Katlehong on the East Rand, Gauteng, South Africa. It was established in 1963 when Africans were removed from Stirtonville because it was considered by the apartheid government too close to a white town. Stirtonville, renamed Reiger Park,...
before reaching Alberton
Alberton, Gauteng
Alberton is a town situated on the East Rand of the Gauteng Province in South Africa which celebrated its centenary year in 2005. it had a population of 202,202 inhabitants. It is known as a typical bedroom community, a community primarily residential in character, with most of its workers...
; here, it intersects with the N17
N17 (South Africa)
The N17 is a South African National Route, designed in the 1980s as an international link between Johannesburg and Swaziland at Oshoek/Ngwenya. It passes through Springs, Bethal and Ermelo....
. Almost immediately afterwards, the N12
N12 (South Africa)
The N12 is a National Route in South Africa. It is maintained by the South African National Roads Agency.- Route :The road starts in George in the Western Cape and ends in Witbank in Mpumalanga. The road runs roughly from south to north, however, once it passes Kimberley in the Northern Cape, it...
(the Southern Bypass
N12 Southern Bypass (South Africa)
The N12 Southern Bypass is a section of the Johannesburg Ring Road located in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The freeway was the last section of the Ring Road to be built, with the final section opening in 1986. It was initially called the N13. From the west, the Southern Bypass begins at...
portion of the Johannesburg Ring Road
Johannesburg Ring Road
The Johannesburg Ring Road is Africa's most famous beltway. It is made up of a subset of the freeways that circle the city of Johannesburg, South Africa and services the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. Construction on the Ring Road began in the late 1960s...
) merges with the N3, with the N3 then becoming the Eastern Bypass
N3 Eastern Bypass (South Africa)
The N3 Eastern Bypass is a section of the Johannesburg Ring Road that forms a beltway around the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of the N3. The first section of the freeway opened in 1971, from Buccleuch to Geldenhuys Interchange...
portion of the Johannesburg Ring Road. The N3 then heads through Germiston
Germiston, Gauteng
Germiston is a city in the East Rand of Gauteng in South Africa. Germiston is now the seat of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality which includes much of the East Rand, and is also considered part of Greater Johannesburg.-History:...
(where the M2
M2 (Johannesburg)
The M2 is a major highway in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is named the Francois Oberholzer Freeway. It runs just to the South of the Central Business District eastwards where it connects with the N3 . The north-south M1 intersects with the M2 just to the east of the CBD....
provides access to the Johannesburg Central Business District
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
) before heading to Bedfordview
Bedfordview, Gauteng
Bedfordview is an affluent town on the East Rand in which is situated in Gauteng, South Africa. Bedfordview has been part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality since 2000...
, where the N12 leaves the N3 at the Gilooly's Interchange and provides access to the East Rand. From here, the N3 passes Edenvale
Edenvale, Gauteng
Edenvale is a town on the East Rand in Gauteng, South Africa. It started out in 1903, after the Anglo Boer War as a small settlement named Rietfontein which sprung up around the Rietfontein Gold Mine. It was made a municipality in 1942. It was initially populated by Cornish mineworkers. Modern...
and Alexandra
Alexandra, Gauteng
Alexandra or Alex for short, nicknamed Gomora is a township located in Gauteng province, South Africa. It is part of Johannesburg, close to the wealthy suburb of Sandton and is bounded by Wynberg on the west, Marlboro and Kelvin on the north, Kew, Lombardy West and Lombardy East on the south...
before terminating at the Buccleuch Interchange just south of Midrand
Midrand, Gauteng
Midrand is an area in central Gauteng Province, South Africa, between Centurion and Sandton. It was established as a municipality in 1981, but was incorporated the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in 2000...
and north of Sandton
Sandton, Gauteng
Sandton is a wealthy area situated within the metro of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. The name comes from the combination of two of its suburbs, Sandown and Bryanston...
, which is the point at which the N3, N1
N1 (South Africa)
The N1 is a South African National Route, running from Cape Town to Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe. It is also the main road link between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and forms the first section of the famed Cape to Cairo Road....
and M1
M1 (Johannesburg)
The M1 De Villiers Graaff motorway is a major freeway in Johannesburg, South Africa. The highway connects the southern areas with the city centre and extends further north through Sandton...
converge.
Alternative route
Where the N3 has been realigned, the old route has been designated R103. The R103 exists in three sections: between DurbanDurban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
and Ladysmith
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production...
, between Warden
Warden, Free State
Warden is a town situated in the Free State province of South Africa on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban. The town has one of the largest Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa, with seating for 1,750. It was named after the former Harrismith magistrate Charles Warden. It is also one...
and Villiers
Villiers, Free State
Villiers is a small town situated on the banks of the Vaal River next to the N3 highway in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded in 1882 on the two farms Pearson Valley and Grootdraai owned by Lourens de Villiers.-Location:...
, and between Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Gauteng
Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :...
and Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
.
The R103 is typically used to avoid the toll plazas on the N3, with one notable exception being the Tugela East Toll Plaza located on the R103 itself where the R103 and N3 meet north of Ladysmith
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production...
.
Most of the old N3 alignment within Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
is designated as the M13
M13 (Durban)
- Route :The route starts in the Durban Central Business District. For the first few kilometres of its length, it runs parallel to the N3 on both sides as Berea Road North and Berea Road South...
instead of having the usual R103 designation; the R103 diverges from the M13 in the suburb of Winston Park.
Dual carriageway sections
Following the opening of the motorway section in December 2001 between HeidelbergHeidelberg, Gauteng
Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :...
and Villiers
Villiers, Free State
Villiers is a small town situated on the banks of the Vaal River next to the N3 highway in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded in 1882 on the two farms Pearson Valley and Grootdraai owned by Lourens de Villiers.-Location:...
, the road is now dual carriageway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...
for its whole length between the two cities. The section between Johannesburg and Villiers is dual carriageway motorway. Between Villiers and the outskirts of Ladysmith, the road is undivided dual carriageway. Thereafter, the route to Durban is dual carriageway motorway. This last section is the second longest motorway by route number, but the longest on one stretch of road in South Africa.
Future realignment
There are plans to re-route one section between the Tugela Toll Plaza near Ladysmith, and the start of the tolled section near WardenWarden, Free State
Warden is a town situated in the Free State province of South Africa on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban. The town has one of the largest Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa, with seating for 1,750. It was named after the former Harrismith magistrate Charles Warden. It is also one...
. This would involve the diversion of the road to a new motorway over De Beer's Pass, as opposed to Van Reenen, which would cut 14 kilometres off the route. This has caused a huge outcry among residents of Harrismith and Van Reenen, who rely on passing traffic to sustain businesses such as restaurants, petrol stations, and holiday rest places. Proponents of the new road argue that the existing Van Reenen Pass is too steep for heavy trucks and exceeds the maximum gradient of 1:7 for an officially declared national road.
The N3 Toll Concession has stated that the De Beer's bypass will be required when daily traffic volumes reach 13,900 vehicles - the current traffic volume at Van Reenen is 11,000 vehicles, and based on projected increases in traffic volumes, the bypass will need to be operational by the end of 2014, with construction commencing in the second half of 2011.
Tolls
Most of the road is only usable upon the payment of toll. There are toll plazas at Marianhill, Mooiriver, Tugela, Villiers and Heidelberg. As mentioned above, most of the toll plazas can be avoided by using the R103.A sixth toll plaza is likely to be constructed south of Warden when the De Beer's bypass (mentioned above) is built.
Notable interchanges
| Distance from origin (km) | Exit number | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Durban Central Business District Durban Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism... |
N3 begins | |
| 8 | 165 | N2 N2 (South Africa) The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in... - Stanger, Port Shepstone, Durban International Airport Durban International Airport Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:... |
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| 17 | 17 | M13 M13 (Durban) - Route :The route starts in the Durban Central Business District. For the first few kilometres of its length, it runs parallel to the N3 on both sides as Berea Road North and Berea Road South... - Pinetown Pinetown Pinetown is a small city just inland from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Pinetown is situated 16 km west of Durban at an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 feet . It was established in 1850 around the Wayside Hotel, itself built the year before along the main wagon route between Durban and... |
Northbound only |
| 20 | 20 | M7 - Pinetown Pinetown Pinetown is a small city just inland from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Pinetown is situated 16 km west of Durban at an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 feet . It was established in 1850 around the Wayside Hotel, itself built the year before along the main wagon route between Durban and... , Queensburgh |
Southbound only |
| 27 | Mariannhill Toll Plaza | ||
| 35 | 35 | M13 M13 (Durban) - Route :The route starts in the Durban Central Business District. For the first few kilometres of its length, it runs parallel to the N3 on both sides as Berea Road North and Berea Road South... - Hillcrest Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal Hillcrest is a settlement within eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and forms a part of the Upper Highway Area.-History:Hillcrest was formerly a sleepy village, governed by its own Town Board on the outskirts of Durban that has now become a booming suburb incorporated into the eThekwini... |
Southbound only |
| 76 | 76 | Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838, and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its "purist" Zulu name is umGungundlovu, and this is the name used for the district municipality... |
Northbound only |
| 77 | 77 | R56 - New England Road | |
| 81 | 81 | R33 - Greytown Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal Greytown is a town situated on the banks of a tributary of the Umvoti River in a richly fertile timber-producing area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.-History:... |
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| 83 | 83 | Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838, and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its "purist" Zulu name is umGungundlovu, and this is the name used for the district municipality... |
Southbound only |
| 99 | 99 | R617 - Bulwer, Southern Drakensberg Drakensberg The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti... |
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| 143 | 143 | Mooi River | Mooi Toll Plaza |
| 179 | 179 | Central Drakensberg Drakensberg The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti... |
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| 194 | 194 | R74 - Colenso Colenso, KwaZulu-Natal Colenso is a town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is located on the southern bank of the Tugela River. The original settlement was contained within a loop on the river, but it subsequently expanded southwards and eastwards... , Winterton Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal Winterton is a small town situated on the banks of the Tugela River in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1905 as Springfield when the Natal government built a weir across the Little Tugela River. The town later changed its name to Winterton... , Northern Drakensberg Drakensberg The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti... |
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| 230 | 230 | N11 N11 (South Africa) The N11 is a National Route in South Africa, connecting the Botswana border at Grobler's Bridge with the N3 near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.-Route:... - Ladysmith Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production... R616 - Bergville |
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| 246 | 246 | R103 - Ladysmith Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is north-west of Durban and south of Johannesburg. Important industries in the area include food processing, textile and tyre production... |
Tugela Toll Plaza (on N3) Tugela East Toll Plaza (on R103) Dual-carriageway ends Proposed start of De Beer's bypass |
| 272 | KwaZulu-Natal/Free State provincial border | ||
| 301 | 29 | N5 - Harrismith Harrismith Harrismith, named after Sir Harry Smith, is a large town in the Free State province of South Africa, situated on the N3 highway approximately midway between Johannesburg, about 300 km north-east, and Durban. The town is at the junction with the N5 highway, which continues west towards the... , Bethlehem Bethlehem, Free State Bethlehem is a town in the eastern Free State province of South Africa that is situated on the Liebenbergs river along a fertile valley just south of the Rooiberg Mountains on the N5 highway.... , Bloemfontein Bloemfontein Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and... (via N1 N1 (South Africa) The N1 is a South African National Route, running from Cape Town to Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe. It is also the main road link between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and forms the first section of the famed Cape to Cairo Road.... ) |
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| 354 | 82 | Warden Warden, Free State Warden is a town situated in the Free State province of South Africa on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban. The town has one of the largest Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa, with seating for 1,750. It was named after the former Harrismith magistrate Charles Warden. It is also one... |
Proposed end of De Beer's bypass |
| 405 | 133 | R34 - Vrede Vrede Vrede a is town in the Free State province of South Africa that is the agricultural hub of a 100 km² region. Maize, wheat, mutton, wool, beef, dairy products and poultry are farmed in the region. The town was established here after a dispute arose regarding as to where to set up the town in... , Frankfort Frankfort, Free State Frankfort is a small farming town situated on the banks of the Wilge River in the Free State province of South Africa. The town was laid out in 1869 on the farm Roodepoort, and named Frankfurt by Albert van Gordon... |
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| 441 | 169 | R26 - Villiers Villiers, Free State Villiers is a small town situated on the banks of the Vaal River next to the N3 highway in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded in 1882 on the two farms Pearson Valley and Grootdraai owned by Lourens de Villiers.-Location:... |
Wilge Toll Plaza |
| 442 | Free State/Mpumalanga provincial border Dual-carriageway recommences |
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| 447 | 5 | R51 - Balfour Balfour, Mpumalanga Balfour is a small coal mining and maize farming town in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The town was established in 1898 as McHattiesburg after its founder Frederick McHattie. In 1905 the town changed its name when the British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour gave a speech at the local station platform... R54 - Vereeniging |
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| 490 (approx.) | Mpumalanga/Gauteng provincial border De Hoek Toll Plaza |
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| 501 | 59 | R23 - Heidelberg Heidelberg, Gauteng Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :... (south), Standerton Standerton Standerton is a large commercial and agricultural town lying on the banks of the Vaal River in Mpumalanga, South Africa which specialises in cattle, dairy, maize and poultry farming. The town was established in 1876 and named after Boer leader Commadant AH Stander. During the Second Boer War a... |
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| 508 | 66 | R42 - Heidelberg Heidelberg, Gauteng Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :... (central), Nigel |
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| 512 | 70 | R23 - Heidelberg Heidelberg, Gauteng Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.- History :... (north), Benoni Benoni, Gauteng Benoni is a city with 654,509 inhabitants on the East Rand in the South African province of Gauteng. Since 2000, it has been part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.- History :... |
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| 545 | 103 | N17 N17 (South Africa) The N17 is a South African National Route, designed in the 1980s as an international link between Johannesburg and Swaziland at Oshoek/Ngwenya. It passes through Springs, Bethal and Ermelo.... - Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa... , Springs Springs, Gauteng Springs is a city on the East Rand in the Gauteng province of South Africa.It lies 50 km east of Johannesburg. The name of the city derives from the large number of springs in the area; it has a population of more than 200,000, and is situated at 5,340 ft a.s.l... |
Gosforth Toll Plaza (N17 only) |
| 547 | 105 | N12 N12 (South Africa) The N12 is a National Route in South Africa. It is maintained by the South African National Roads Agency.- Route :The road starts in George in the Western Cape and ends in Witbank in Mpumalanga. The road runs roughly from south to north, however, once it passes Kimberley in the Northern Cape, it... - Potchefstroom Potchefstroom, North West Potchefstroom is an academic city in the North West Province of South Africa. It hosts the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University... , Kimberley Kimberley, Northern Cape Kimberley is a city in South Africa, and the capital of the Northern Cape. It is located near the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The town has considerable historical significance due its diamond mining past and siege during the Second Boer War... |
N12 merges with N3 |
| 550 | 108 | M2 M2 (Johannesburg) The M2 is a major highway in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is named the Francois Oberholzer Freeway. It runs just to the South of the Central Business District eastwards where it connects with the N3 . The north-south M1 intersects with the M2 just to the east of the CBD.... - Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa... , Germiston |
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| 555 | 113 | N12 N12 (South Africa) The N12 is a National Route in South Africa. It is maintained by the South African National Roads Agency.- Route :The road starts in George in the Western Cape and ends in Witbank in Mpumalanga. The road runs roughly from south to north, however, once it passes Kimberley in the Northern Cape, it... - Witbank Witbank Witbank , also known as eMalahleni is a city situated on the Highveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa, within the eMalahleni Local Municipality. The name Witbank is Afrikaans for White Ridge and is named after a white sandstone outcrop where wagon transport drivers rested... R24 R24 (Gauteng) The R24 is a major East-West Regional Route in the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area that links OR Tambo International Airport with Rustenburg via Johannesburg, Krugersdorp and Magaliesburg.... - Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa... , OR Tambo International Airport |
N12 separates from N3 and merges with R24 |
| 569 | 104 | N1 N1 (South Africa) The N1 is a South African National Route, running from Cape Town to Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe. It is also the main road link between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and forms the first section of the famed Cape to Cairo Road.... - Bloemfontein Bloemfontein Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and... , Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is... M1 M1 (Johannesburg) The M1 De Villiers Graaff motorway is a major freeway in Johannesburg, South Africa. The highway connects the southern areas with the city centre and extends further north through Sandton... - Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa... |
N3 ends |