Roads Close, Flights Stall: Johannesburg Prepares for G20 Traffic Chaos

Roads Close, Flights Stall: Johannesburg Braces for G20 Chaos

Johannesburg is gearing up for what could be its most challenging week of the year. With the first-ever G20 summit on African soil set to bring world leaders, delegates, and global media to the city, both roads and skies are expected to feel the strain.

A Dress Rehearsal for Motorists

Tomorrow, a full-scale traffic drill will give Joburg motorists a taste of what’s to come. Between 9am and 1pm, major arteries including the N1, M1, N12, Rivonia Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, Grayston Drive, and Melrose Boulevard will face temporary closures, lane restrictions, and intermittent disruptions.

The exercise, coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and South African Police Service, is designed to test traffic management and motorcade routes ahead of next week’s summit.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane suggested alternative routes for affected commuters. For example, Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet Road, and Ontdekkers Road can replace Hendrick Potgieter Road in Roodepoort, while side streets like Corlett Drive and Sandton Drive can be used in Sandton, Rosebank, and Parktown.

Air Travel Disruptions Loom

It’s not just the roads that will be busy. Gauteng’s three major airportsOR Tambo, Lanseria, and Air Force Base Waterkloofare bracing for the influx of VIP flights. Details on the exact airspace restrictions remain scarce, but airlines and travellers can expect delays as arriving aircraft carrying delegates receive priority clearance.

Security sources note one small relief: the absence of the US presidential delegation, which typically arrives with a massive fleet of support vehicles, security personnel, and logistical equipment.

Citywide Preparations

The City of Johannesburg has spent months upgrading infrastructure to handle the surge in traffic and visitors. Roads have been resurfaced, potholes repaired, stormwater systems reinforced, and beautification projects carried out along key corridors including Sandton, Alexandra, Lanseria, M1, M2, and Soweto.

City Power has upgraded over 30 substations and rehabilitated street lighting along strategic routes, while critical water infrastructure, like Rand Water’s Eikenhof pumping station, received reinforced power systems. JMPD has rolled out a dual traffic and security plan with strict perimeter controls, enhanced patrols, and enforcement of bylaws in high-security zones.

Tshwane Ready to Support

Nearby Tshwane is also in final preparation mode. Spokesperson Sam Mgobozi confirmed that intersections along the three designated G20 routes are fully operational, with minor faults promptly fixed. Between August and November, the city repaired 105 potholes, painted nearly 79km of road markings, and maintained more than 171,000m² of grass.

Additional measures include route sweeping through the Expanded Public Works Programme, installation of 120 new litter bins, and national flag displays at key points including Fountains Circle, the Union Buildings, and Waterkloof.

What This Means for Residents

Social media is already buzzing with warnings and advice for commuters and travellers. Many are sharing alternative routes, updates on flight delays, and tips for navigating road closures. While some residents expressed frustration at the impending disruption, others welcomed the chance to see Johannesburg hosting a historic global event.

As world leaders arrive next week, Johannesburg’s infrastructure, security, and transport systems will be tested like never before. For residents and travellers, planning ahead is essential: allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes, and stay updated on official traffic and airport advisories.

While the G20 summit promises a historic spotlight on South Africa, it also serves as a reminder of the city’s ongoing challenges with urban mobility and logistics, challenges the city hopes to overcome with careful planning and coordination.

{Source: The Citizen}

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