By Marcus Moloko
As the G20 Leaders’ Summit wraps up in Johannesburg, delegation convoys will cause major traffic disruptions across the city.
The government has issued urgent warnings for motorists to steer clear of several high-risk zones, particularly around the Nasrec Precinct, Sandton, and major highways.
According to the Airports Company South Africa and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the following closures are in effect due to VIP movements and security lockdowns:
As today marks the final day of the summit, JMPD said the rolling closures are active and may cause sudden, standstill traffic lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
The most critical times for the disruptions are between 07:00 and 10:00, and again from 15:00 to 20:00.
The following road closures will be in effect on Sunday:
Nasrec Precinct (Summit Venue)
Nasrec Road: Closed between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road
Rand Show Road: Northern portion closed between the N1 and Nasrec Road
Golden Highway: Closed between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway
Booysens Reserve Road: Closed near Crownwood Road
Sandton and Rosebank disruptions
Motorists should expect rolling closures and delays on:
– Grayston Drive
– Rivonia Road
– Maude Street
– Oxford Road
– Jan Smuts Avenue.
These routes are being used by dignitaries traveling between summit venues and accommodations, with intermittent closures lasting up to 60 minutes.
Highways to avoid
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said that while no new full highway shutdowns have been reported, the network remains extremely fragile.
“Any minor accident will cause gridlock amid existing G20 pressure,” Fihla said.
Motorists are advised to avoid the following highways:
N1, M1, N12, R21, R24
Recommended alternatives
Roodepoort: Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet, or Ontdekkers Roads
Sandton/North: Use side streets parallel to Rivonia/Oxford (though congestion is still expected)
South: Use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, or Soweto Highway (where open)
INSIDE METROS