Construction workers linked to SANRAL subcontractors blocked the N3 at Durban’s EB Cloete Interchange on Wednesday, bringing traffic to a standstill before two lanes were reopened.
Disgruntled construction workers downed tools and blocked the busy N3 freeway widely known as Spaghetti Junction.
The workers are employees of South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd subcontractors. On several Durban WhatsApp traffic groups, contract workers wearing orange overalls can be seen walking in a group along the N3 near the Spaghetti Junction. Traffic had also come to a standstill.
Durban Metro Police Services spokesperson Boysie Zungu said teams responded swiftly to the road closure and subsequently opened two lanes to traffic. Zungu said the protestors are in a designated area alongside the N3.
“The officials involved and the police will meet to discuss the issues surrounding the protest,” Zungu said.
SANRAL has started work on the mega project to upgrade the N3 Corridor between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The upgrades to the 84km freeway, known as KwaZulu-Natal’s Gateway to Africa, will be implemented in phases over the next eight to 10 years.
Phase 1, which includes the critical sections between Cato Ridge and Pietermaritzburg, the Key Ridge realignment and the EB Cloete to Paradise Valley section, will be upgraded.
*This is a developing story and will be updated once more details are available.*
