Staff Reporter
The City of Johannesburg said on Tuesday that its Sandton Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) roadways project was approaching completion.
The project, implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) on behalf of the city’s transport department, forms part of Johannesburg’s plan to build “a more efficient, reliable, and integrated public transport system”.
In a statement, the city said the Katherine Street roadways project reached practical completion on March 31, meaning “a significant step toward the full realisation of the Phase 1C trunk route”.
ALSO READ: Motsoaledi provides update on Hantavirus response
It said the work was delivered on time and within budget, while also recording cost savings, which it said “underscores the strength of the JDA’s delivery model and the discipline of the project team”.
The Sandton corridor forms part of a Rea Vaya rollout that has been dogged by delays and shifting deadlines for years. The system was launched in 2009, but has still not fully delivered on its original ambition of linking Soweto and Sandton through cheap, reliable mass public transport.
BusinessTech reported in February 2025 that Phase 1C, intended to run from the inner city through areas including Hillbrow, Yeoville, Orange Grove, Bramley and Wynberg to Alexandra and Sandton, was once expected to be completed by 2017, but more than R1.5 billion had already been spent on that phase without it being fully operational. It also reported that Phases 1A and 1B had cost ratepayers more than R10 billion by the end of 2017.
ALSO READ: ANC KZN launches grassroots campaign in fight to retain eThekwini
According to the city’s statement, the JDA-led team used “innovative and adaptive project management approaches” to navigate unavoidable delays, manage complex interfaces, recover time where possible and maintain progress on the project.
Construction along Rivonia Road has also advanced steadily, with the city saying the project is now close to completion. Remaining work is largely minor, including final civil elements and finishing activities.
“With most roadway works now complete, only minor civil works and station service installations remain across sections of Sandton, and these are expected to be concluded in the near term,” the city said.
The upgraded corridor will include dedicated BRT lanes, strengthened road infrastructure, improved sidewalks and enhanced public environments.
The city said it would support faster, safer and more reliable transport between Sandton, Alexandra and the inner city.
The project has also created about 60 unskilled jobs from inception to its current stage, while local enterprises have participated in the works.
The city said the project team’s “agile and responsive execution” allowed the temporary use of the route during key events, including the G20 Summit, showing the infrastructure’s functionality before full completion.
It said strong engagement between the JDA, stakeholders and partners — including the Sandton business district, regional structures and residents — had helped maintain progress and build confidence in the project.
