Copyright © 1999 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.


Supplements - N3 Toll Commission

The N3's Future

Being the Concessionaire (N3TC) on the N3 is an exciting prospect, for one takes on the responsibility of the country’s premier hinterland to coast artery for cargo and goods transportation as well as general public travel.

This route needs immediate improvement to certain sections, particularly the increasingly hazardous section from Heidelberg to Villiers and road widening in the vicinity of Harrismith. N3TC has a commitment from its Contractors to ensure that these sections are tackled at the outset, with completion of a dual carriageway to Villiers planned to be achieved in two and a half years’ time, and the widening at Harrismith a year earlier.

As Concessionaire, we are unlikely to be popular for increasing tolls. The increases are however necessary to fund the improvements, liquidate the existing debt on the N3 and to operate and maintain the route to a prescribed standard, for the 30 year concession period. All N3 road users are therefore our partners as we strive to achieve a better product for all on this route. Our efforts in this regard will be visible to all users in the near future and your tolerance of any inconvenience resulting from these activities will be rewarded by having an improved highway before long.

Overloading is a problem on highways internationally and particularly in South Africa. It is the single most significant contributor to accelerated road deterioration and the N3 TC will be co-operating with the authorities to eradicate the problem on the N3.

The improvements on this route planned by N3TC, in co-operation with the NRA (South African National Roads Agency) along with the activities of the various route services, emergency support and law enforcement organisations along the route will, together with the co-operation, tolerance and courtesy of all the road users, make traveling on the N3 a safer and more pleasant experience for all.

Enjoy the future of the N3 with us.