Name of the Project
N3 upgrade: Mariannhill Toll Plaza to Key Ridge.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
State-owned South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral).

Project Description
The project forms part of Sanral's strategic programme to improve the country's key freight and mobility corridor, and entails the upgrade of an 11.1 km section of the N3 national road between Mariannhill Toll Plaza Section 1 and Key Ridge Section 2.

Work to be undertaken includes:

• the accommodation of traffic throughout the construction period.
• the widening and upgrading of the existing N3 carriageways.
• the construction and rehabilitation of road pavement layers.
• the construction of two new launched viaduct bridges and drainage structures.
• stormwater improvements, including pipe crossings, subsurface drainage systems, and concrete and earth drains.
• the construction of earthworks, including cuttings and fills.
• the construction of concrete median barriers between carriageways.
• the construction of retaining walls and mechanically stabilised earth walls.
• the construction of major culverts.
• road signs, road markings, road studs, guardrails and security fencing.
• electrical works and public lighting upgrades.
• the landscaping and rehabilitation of borrow pits and spoil sites.
• the relocation and accommodation of services.
• the procurement and development of targeted enterprises and local community participation.

Potential Job Creation
Opportunities will be created for local businesses and community members residing along the N3 corridor, contributing to sustainable economic empowerment, job creation and skills transfer.

Capital Expenditure
R6-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is expected to take 60 months to complete.

Latest Developments
Construction started in June 2026.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Sanral, email pressoffice@nra.co.za.