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The countdown to the G20 Leaders’ Summit has begun. Traffic authorities have cautioned road users that some of the major roads in the city will be closed in preparation for the world leaders' gathering taking place from 22 to 23 November at Nasrec, Johannesburg. Government leaders and private sector investors will be gathered to discuss key international and economic issues. This will mark the first time the G20 is held in South Africa.
“The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is stepping up its presence across the city this weekend as part of large-scale traffic operations ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit,” The City of Johannesburg announced on Tuesday, 11 November.
The operation will take place on Saturday morning until early afternoon.
“Motorists in and around Johannesburg Central should prepare for rolling road closures and potential delays on Saturday, 15 November, between 9am and 1pm. The JMPD will lead the coordinated operation alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Gauteng Traffic Police, and the South African Police Service.”
The city has advised motorists and residents to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time on the roads.
“Our priority is the safety and convenience of all road users across Johannesburg. We want to make sure that residents, commuters, and visitors can move around the city safely and efficiently, even with the increased traffic expected ahead of the summit,” JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said in the statement.
Affected national and regional routes:
- N1
- M1
- N12
Urban and arterial roads:
- 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street
- Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Kathrine Street
- Whiteley Road, Melrose Boulevard
- Athol Oaklands Road, Oxford Road, Glenhove Road
- Jan Smuts Avenue, Winnie Mandela Drive, Hendrick Potgieter Road
- Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road, Golden Highway (Nasrec)
The city also shared alternative routes for road users:
- Roodepoort: Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan de Wet Road, Ontdekkers Road
- Fourways: Main Road, Cedar Road, Witkoppen Road
- Sandton, Rosebank, Parktown: Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, 11th Avenue
- Southern Johannesburg (Riverlea, Nasrec, Ormonde View): Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road, Soweto Highway, N17, Aerodrome Road, Adcock Ingram Road
Traffic disruptions caused by rain
Recent heavy rainfall in Johannesburg has disrupted traffic across the city over the past few days. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has been issuing warnings following nearly two weeks of relentless rain. There is also a chance of more rainfall this coming weekend, which could further contribute to traffic delays.
Time Out tips for driving in Johannesburg’s rainy season:
Do:
- Drive slowly and cautiously – wet roads are slippery.
- Increase your following distance to avoid bumper-to-bumper collisions.
- Turn on your lights and wipers (manually if your car doesn’t do so automatically).
- Stay patient. Rain can slow traffic, so allow extra time for your journey.
- Be considerate of other drivers – kindness goes a long way in tough driving conditions.
Don’t:
- Slam on your brakes - water can affect braking performance.
- Drive through flooded roads; this can seriously damage your vehicle and put you at risk.
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