Frustration is mounting among Alberton residents and councillors as several traffic lights across the city continue to malfunction, creating daily traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions.

Councillors have again called on the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT) to intervene urgently, particularly at the notorious intersection linking the R59 and Swartkoppies Road, which residents describe as the area’s biggest traffic light crisis.

The traffic light at the R59 off-ramp into Swartkoppies Road has reportedly been dysfunctional for more than three years, causing severe traffic backlogs during peak hours and increasing the risk of collisions.

Ward 94 Clr Samantha Nair said the issue continues to place motorists and pedestrians in danger daily.

“The situation poses enormous danger to motorists and other road users, and we are doing everything possible from our side to get the traffic lights fixed,” she said.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the intersection, saying motorists are often forced to navigate the busy crossing without functioning signals, leading to near misses and frequent traffic chaos.

Motorists said that what adds to the danger is the taxi drivers who create their own third lane at the intersection.

Although several other traffic lights further along Swartkoppies Road and surrounding intersections were repaired and restored by April this year, the problematic R59 and Swartkoppies Road intersection remains unresolved.

Motorists have described the area as one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in Alberton, with many relying on EMPD officers to manually direct traffic during busy periods until 08:00 in the morning.

The ongoing failures form part of a broader infrastructure challenge affecting Alberton and neighbouring areas, where vandalism and theft of road infrastructure continue to worsen conditions.

Residents have reported an increase in criminals damaging streetlights and traffic lights by using grinders to strip poles and electrical components.

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Similar incidents have been reported along Kliprivier Road towards the Mall of the South.

The lack of lighting and functioning traffic infrastructure has also heightened fears around road safety and crime, particularly during the evening hours.

The City of Ekurhuleni has maintained that it is not liable for the traffic lights at the affected intersection, saying the infrastructure falls under provincial jurisdiction.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has been contacted for comment regarding repairs to the intersection and measures being implemented to prevent further vandalism.

Residents are now demanding immediate intervention, warning that unless urgent action is taken, the dangerous conditions could eventually lead to serious or fatal accidents.

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