UPDATE: Two lanes of N3 opened Lions River

Clean-up crews have been mobilised to remove a load of manganese spilt onto the N3 in the vicinity of Lions River in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

The N3 Toll Concession says one person was hurt when a truck overturned on the northbound carriageway this morning, forcing the closure of the route towards Johannesburg.

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The entire truck and its trailer is lying across the road. Some 30 tons of manganese has been strewn across the road's surface.

"We are expecting a protracted closure as the truck is recovered and a long delay while the manganese is lifted and the surface cleared," says N3TC spokesperson, Con Roux.

Roux says the Durban-bound carriageway remains open, but rubbernecking is causing some congestion.

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He is urging motorists heading away from the coast to delay their trips if possible or use the diversion that has been put in place.

"Either avoid travelling to that area, or note that a diversion has been put in place - taking the R103 through the Midlands."

Motorists heading towards Johannesburg can exit the N3 at Tweedie and use the R103 to bypass the affected area. They will then rejoin the N3 at Nottingham Road.