A CONCESSION contract, worth an estimated R2,5-billion, for the N3 road from Heidelberg to Cedara near Pietermaritzburg was signed on Thursday between the South African National Roads Agency and N3 Toll Concession Limited. The 30-year concession involves the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of 420km of the main Durban/Johannesburg route. Transport Minister Mac Maharaj said this concession means N3TC will take on the State’s existing debt on the road of R1,3-billion. N3TC was selected as the preferred bidder after four pre-qualified bidders were invited to submit offers in June 1997. Department of Transport