The Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday that teams and equipment were already in place on key routes. (File photo STR/AFP via Getty Images)
KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Siboniso Duma on Sunday warned of potential road closures and dangerous driving conditions due to the threat of snow and severe weather along the N3.
Prime Minister Duma said the latest warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicate worsening weather conditions.
SAWS had issued an initial amber Level 4 warning for heavy snow on Monday, which has now been upgraded to an orange Level 5 alert.
Duma said the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for possible road closures and diversions.
“We consider light snowfall to be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly,” he said, urging motorists to postpone or reschedule their trips.
Mr Duma said the department had co-ordinated the plan with the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate, the N3 Toll Plaza, the Free State Transport Authority and the National Traffic Police.
Efforts to reduce accidents include the use of salt and brine to prevent snow and ice buildup on roads, and the use of motor graders to clear snow.
Main routes that may be closed:
- N3 Van Reenen Pass to Tugela Plaza
- From Tugela Plaza to Bergville
- N11 Bergville Interchange to Volksrust
- From escort to Moi toll booth
- From Mooi Toll Gate to Howick
- R617 Underberg to Swartberg
- R617 Swartberg to Kokstad
- R74 Takeda Road
- R33 Pomeroy-Dandy
- From Montrose to Van Reenen Village
Parts of the state were blanketed in snow after a Level 8 warning was issued last week, leaving thousands of motorists trapped along the N3 motorway for hours.
Two people died from hypothermia after being trapped in a car on the highway.
The N3 toll road had to be closed between Estcourt and Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfall, with essential services such as water and electricity also disrupted.