JRA confronts vandalised traffic signals, frequent power outages

By Charles Molele

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) said on Wednesday that it was addressing road safety concerns and responding to emergencies affecting traffic signals across the City of Johannesburg, despite significant challenges posed by rampant vandalism and frequent power outages, particularly in the city center.

Under its mandate, the JRA installs, maintains, and repairs traffic signals throughout Johannesburg.

It said dysfunctional traffic intersections not only disrupt service delivery but also pose a critical threat to road users’ safety.

The JRA manages a vast network of 2,023 signalized intersections, including over 16,000 poles, 100,000 LED bulbs, and 2,023 controller boxes and these components must function seamlessly at all times.

However, the agency currently faces over 360 cases of vandalism and theft, with new incidents reported daily. Damage ranges from cut poles to the removal of cables, significantly hampering operations.

The backlog of repairs due to theft, vandalism, and accidents exceeds