Motorists across Gauteng are advised to prepare for temporary road closures, lane restrictions, and intermittent disruptions this weekend as part of a coordinated joint traffic operation.

The large-scale enforcement initiative will take place on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, affecting key routes in the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.

According to a statement from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the operation will be carried out in partnership with the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The RTMC said the coordinated effort forms part of ongoing initiatives to improve public safety, enforce traffic compliance, and reduce congestion on major roadways.

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Affected areas and routes

The operation will focus on high-security and high-traffic routes across Gauteng, including national highways, major regional roads, and central urban corridors.

Key national and regional routes that will be affected include the N1, N3, and N12 highways, as well as the M1, R21, R24, and R512.

Within the city areas, motorists can expect disruptions on several major arterial and urban roads, including Rand Show Road, Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Corlett Drive, Oxford Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, and Nasrec Road.

Roads in Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose such as Maude Street, Daisy Street, Whiteley Road, and Melrose Boulevard may also be impacted.

Operation Schedule

On Friday, October 24, rolling road closures will take place across Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni between 09:00 and 13:00.

On Saturday, October 25, motorists can expect morning operations between 08:00 and 10:00, and afternoon operations from 13:00 to 14:30, focusing mainly on Johannesburg.

Alternative routes and travel advice

The RTMC has advised motorists to plan ahead and make use of alternative routes where possible.

Drivers travelling between Johannesburg and Pretoria can use the M57 instead of the R21. Those heading west or northwest should consider using Beyers Naudé Drive instead of the R512 or N1.

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For east–west travel, smaller regional roads through Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview may provide quicker passage than the R24 or N12. Within Sandton, Rosebank, and Parktown, motorists are encouraged to use side streets parallel to Jan Smuts, Oxford, and Rivonia Roads, such as Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, and 11th Avenue.

In southern Johannesburg, particularly in Riverlea, Nasrec, and Ormonde View, drivers can use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road (Fordsburg–Crown Mines), Soweto Highway, and the N17 as alternatives.

Motorists are also urged to allow additional travel time, follow instructions from on-duty officers, and remain patient as operations proceed.

Safety and Access

Clear signage and traffic officers will be stationed along affected routes to guide motorists. The RTMC assured that access for emergency and essential services will be prioritised at all times.