The N3 freeway linking Johannesburg and Durban remains blocked at Van Reenen’s Pass.
The employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers is the reason why the freeway is being blocked.
Local truck drivers are believed to behind this blockade.
According to Con Roux of the N3 Toll Concession: “The authorities have informed us that the purpose behind the blockade is a protest against the employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers in South Africa.”
Protesters blocked the N3 Toll Route in both directions at Van Reenens Pass between Harrismith and the Tugela Toll Plaza towards Ladysmith on Wednesday morning.
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande strongly condemned the blocking of roads as well as the torching of public and private property by protesters on the N3 and other areas in South Africa.
Law enforcement and emergency services officials were deployed to the area, but it was not immediately clear why the drivers were blocking the highway.
Con Roux of the N3 Toll Concession said there were extensive backlogs in both directions.
He said at this stage, there was no indication when the road would be reopened.
18h45 #Alert: Avoid Mooi River area if travelling north (JHB bound) as there is severe congestion and traffic is being turned around by law enforcement officials. South traffic is flowing normally.
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) June 20, 2018
@N3Route Trucks are blocking the Van Reenen's pass. Looks like some kind of a protest action pic.twitter.com/Q0JB6d5LO5
— Cephas Marikisi (@cephasmzw) June 20, 2018
Roux urged motorists to avoid travel in the area and if necessary, to use alternative routes such as the R74 via Oliviershoek Pass.
Other options include:
The R34/N11 – Vrede/Newcastle/Ladysmith
The R23 – Heidelberg/Standerton/Volksrust/Ladysmith
#AmTraffic N3 #Protest @ Van Reenen pic.twitter.com/eF6IWG7tTg
— Natal Towing Association (@nataltowing_nta) June 20, 2018
Motorists have been urged to obtain real-time traffic updates from the 24-hour N3 Route Helpline on 0800 63 4357; or to get traffic updates on Twitter using the handle @N3Route.
Source: Timeslive
