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[source](https://www.n3gateway.com/welcome-back-to-the-n3-toll-route/)

**A real eye opener as nothing has been spent on this route in maintenance since I last travelled over 4 years ago. A welcome back that made you think why didn't I just fly?**



Today I drove down from Johannesburg to Durban on the N3 which is a National road. The last time I have driven this route was over 4 years ago which was something I used to do regularly for work and pleasure.

I arrived at the first toll booth to find out debit cards are not accepted as it is cash or credit cards only. The last time I had cash on me was most likely 4 years ago so I had to turn around wasting an hour to the nearest ATM. Who carries cash these days?

The first petrol station we stopped at had run out of fuel and only had diesel and you knew it was going to be one of those days. The next petrol station had only 1 of the two variants we use so was happy to fill up.

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[source](https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/this-is-how-much-youll-pay-in-tolls-from-durban-to-joburg-14470152)

**Over R2 Billion generated among this toll route during covid times and they have let the product that earns them the money deteriorate into a death trap.** 

What was evident since my last journey down this route was the spike in toll fees and the deterioration of the road surface. The service stations along the route were in some serious need of upgrades and just driving past them made you grateful you weren't stopping for food or snacks.

There were one or two service hot spots along the way which have survived the lockdowns unscathed, but the others have notably suffered or shut down permanently.

The road surface was not a National road standard and in some parts a 4 x 4 would have not gone a miss. Trucks pounding up and down using this 570 Km stretch of road has taken it's toll on the surface. I am what I would call an experienced driver with advanced skills and I would not drive this road at night. The one or two key areas with re routing happening is seriously dangerous and one wonders where is the truck escape routes or sand traps for the steep hills have disappeared. 

One wonders where all the money earned via tolls goes as the upkeep should be the justification of increased tolls. No one would argue or complain if the services and upkeep kept everything top notch. 

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