Upgraded K101 in Midrand opens to ease congestion between Joburg and Tshwane

The Gauteng Provincial Government has opened an upgraded 5.4-kilometre stretch of the K101 Road in Midrand aimed at improving mobility and reducing congestion between Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Project purpose and opening

Premier Panyaza Lesufi officially unveiled the completed upgrade of the K101, also known as Old Johannesburg Road. Provincial officials said the project is intended to improve road safety, reduce travel times and provide motorists with an alternative to the often-congested N1 freeway.

Route, users and traffic growth

The 5.4-kilometre route runs from the D795 Road in Midrand to the N1 at Brakfontein Road and serves as a transport corridor linking Gauteng’s two largest metropolitan municipalities. The road is used by private motorists, freight operators, buses, taxis, pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction began in October 2022 after traffic volumes along the corridor rose. Daily vehicle movements reportedly increased from about 20,000 to more than 30,000, with buses and taxis accounting for nearly one-third of the traffic.

What the upgrade includes

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said the completed works include:

• A 5.4-kilometre dual carriageway
• Three newly constructed bridges
• Nearly six kilometres of pedestrian walkways and dedicated cycling lanes
• Five new traffic signals and upgrades to two existing intersections
• Approximately three kilometres of new street lighting
• Additional bus bays to improve access to public transport

Safety, enforcement and economic aims

Addressing attendees at the launch, Premier Lesufi said infrastructure development must be matched by measures to protect public assets and urged expanded CCTV surveillance, tougher law enforcement and better coordination between government agencies to combat crime, vandalism and the destruction of public infrastructure.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the project shows how strategic infrastructure investment can improve residents’ quality of life while supporting economic development. She said:

“The K101 Road Upgrade Project stands as a practical demonstration of how infrastructure can change lives. It is not only about roads, bridges and traffic signals, but about connecting communities to opportunities, improving mobility, enhancing safety, and supporting economic development.”

Diale-Tlabela added that continued investment in transport infrastructure is essential to support Gauteng’s rapid urban growth.

Local benefits during construction

The provincial government said the project delivered benefits beyond the physical upgrades. During construction, 127 community members received technical skills training, while 53 participants completed programmes aimed at strengthening small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Provincial officials also said the project created employment opportunities for local workers and emerging contractors.

Call to protect the new infrastructure

With construction complete, the Gauteng Provincial Government urged residents to help safeguard the upgraded road by reporting acts of vandalism, illegal dumping and any damage to roads or public facilities along the corridor.