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‘Costs to resolve traffic light issues exceed R70m,’ says JRA

Johannesburg Roads Agency shared their plan to tackle the traffic light outage issues that are plaguing the city.

Zweli Nyathi, CEO of Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), said technical faults, power outages, theft, vandalism, and accidents are some of the reasons many traffic lights are not working in the city.

After months of frustration related to malfunctioning traffic lights within the city, JRA seems to finally have answers to the critical road safety issues plaguing the city.

Fourways, in particular, has been struggling with this issue for some time, even resulting in local businesses adopting traffic lights.

Also read: JRA reinstate road after pipe burst

Councillor David Foley, of Ward 94, last year conducted a basic count which revealed that approximately 19 traffic lights were out of order in Fourways.

Traffic light not working in Fourways.

Nyathi explained that JRA is entrusted with a vast network that includes 2 023 signalised intersections, over 16 000 poles, 100 000 LED bulbs, and 2 023 controller boxes.

Each component must operate flawlessly to ensure smooth traffic flow and protect the safety of road users. Yet, the agency is currently grappling with more than 360 reports of vandalism and theft, with new incidents emerging daily.

Damage ranges from cut poles to stolen cables, severely disrupting JRA’s operational effectiveness and leading to a maintenance backlog that exceeds R70m.

Nyathi said: “Globally, cities are facing similar challenges, but it’s important that we develop solutions that suit South Africa’s unique context.”

To combat these challenges, JRA collaborates with private sector stakeholders and academic institutions to devise innovative solutions.

Also read: JRA addresses service backlog calls after seven months

Recently, they have implemented Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) on over 80% of their traffic light controllers. These systems enable JRA to detect and report over 90% of faults before they impact public safety, facilitating quicker response times.

To further mitigate power issues, JRA has partnered with more than 40 companies to connect traffic signals near their buildings to backup power supplies.

Currently, over 80 intersections have been linked to these systems, to connect an additional 80 by the end of June.

Nyathi stressed that theft and vandalism not only damage JRA infrastructure but disrupt essential services from Eskom and City Power as well.

Cllr David Foley, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabele, and Geraldine Harris from Dairnfern Golf Estate, during the launch of the Adopt a Robot campaign.

“If traffic lights are properly maintained, they can last up to 10 years, but ongoing theft and damage severely undermine this potential,” he said.

To hold drivers accountable for incidents that damage traffic signals, JRA has teamed up with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). “With many accidents attributed to distracted driving, whether due to texting, talking on the phone, or driving under the influence, the agency is focusing on increased enforcement as part of its safety strategy.”

Unfortunately, the installation of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, which would help stabilize power at critical intersections, has also been impacted by theft. Of the 1 400 UPS units installed, fewer than 15 remain intact.

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Related article: JRA puts up cones on Uranium Road

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