CAPE TOWN - N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has warned drivers to be prepared for harsh weather and possibly dangerous road conditions as the cold front progresses across South Africa.
The front will cause strong winds over the Free State, kwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Snow can be expected in higher areas and emergency services and police are gearing up to ensure the safety of road users. Van Reenen’s Pass between Harrismith to Ladysmith is prone to high winds and ice.
VIDEO: Dangerous roads in SA - Van Reenen's Pass
VIDEO: Driving along Van Reenen's Pass
WeatherSA has warned drivers to expect very cold and wet weather and ice on the pass from Thursday (June 5) to Sunday (June 8 2014).
URGENT WARNING
The N3TC issued an urgent warning to all road users and resident of high-altitude areas to be prepared for the anticipated inclement weather and to take necessary precautions.
According to 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.”
'SAVING LIVES, MINIMISE DELAYS'
Con Roux, commercial manager of N3TC, said: “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."
Roux said, the N3TC has brine, a snow-blower and snowploughs on standby at Van Reenen’s Pass.
N3TC requests that drivers be aware of road conditions and choose appropriate times to travel:
• Be mindful of weather warnings and possible road closures.
• Be prepared before you depart - pack extra blankets, food and liquids.
Road users can confirm the status of travel conditions with N3TC’s 24-hour Customer Care line 0800 634 357 or get real-time traffic updates by following N3TC on Twitter: @N3Route.
The front will cause strong winds over the Free State, kwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Snow can be expected in higher areas and emergency services and police are gearing up to ensure the safety of road users. Van Reenen’s Pass between Harrismith to Ladysmith is prone to high winds and ice.
VIDEO: Dangerous roads in SA - Van Reenen's Pass
VIDEO: Driving along Van Reenen's Pass
WeatherSA has warned drivers to expect very cold and wet weather and ice on the pass from Thursday (June 5) to Sunday (June 8 2014).
URGENT WARNING
The N3TC issued an urgent warning to all road users and resident of high-altitude areas to be prepared for the anticipated inclement weather and to take necessary precautions.
According to 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.”
'SAVING LIVES, MINIMISE DELAYS'
Con Roux, commercial manager of N3TC, said: “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."
Roux said, the N3TC has brine, a snow-blower and snowploughs on standby at Van Reenen’s Pass.
N3TC requests that drivers be aware of road conditions and choose appropriate times to travel:
• Be mindful of weather warnings and possible road closures.
• Be prepared before you depart - pack extra blankets, food and liquids.
Road users can confirm the status of travel conditions with N3TC’s 24-hour Customer Care line 0800 634 357 or get real-time traffic updates by following N3TC on Twitter: @N3Route.