N3: The 'monumental' task to remove stranded trucks
The N3 Toll Concession says law enforcement agencies are in the process of removing trucks from the N3 following a protest action by truck drivers on Van Reenen's Pass.
The Johannesburg-bound route was re-opened early this morning, but clean-up operations are still underway on the Durban-bound route.
According to the N3 Toll Concessions, Con Roux, law enforcement agencies have been working throughout the night to clear the congestion.
"Arrests were affected of certain drivers on the Pass. It has been quite a task to remove trucks, some of which have been sabotaged and others' keys thrown away."
Disgruntled truckers parked dozens of their vehicles on the national roadway in an illegal protest over pay.
The protesters also demonstrated against the employment of foreign drivers - causing massive traffic backlogs on the route through the whole day of Wednesday.
KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Transport is baffled at the protest as officials are still in talks with trucking companies.
"We have no idea why they decided to embark on a protest now. The MEC met them about three weeks ago, and we are now applying the processes as to what is going to happen. We were caught by surprise when they decided to block the freeway while negotiations are still ongoing," says spokesperson, Mluleki Mntungwa.