Motorists and workers travelling along Pitts Avenue (R55) between Main Road and Allandale Road are facing severe traffic congestion affecting both directions of this busy route.

The situation has been worsened by ongoing roadworks near Kyalami Corner on the left side of the R55, approaching from the Kyalami Grand Prix side. This area has been narrowed to a single lane in parts, significantly slowing traffic flow during peak hours.

Read more: Gauteng roads department condemns senseless vandalism of R55 infrastructure

Resident Reginald Jacob said the daily traffic nightmare is becoming increasingly difficult to endure. Frustrated motorists have also been seen taking dangerous shortcuts to avoid the backlog. Some drivers, particularly taxi operators, have reportedly been driving in oncoming lanes or even passing through barricaded sections where construction is underway.

Danny Maduray, CEO of Ria Sebetsa Security, also reported that congestion is worsening by the day. “What should be a short trip now takes much longer, and it affects everyone trying to get to work or back home.”

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Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that authorities are aware of the ongoing congestion along the R55. “This route is a major artery that carries a high volume of vehicles, especially during peak morning and evening times. The main causes include the large number of commuters travelling between Johannesburg, Midrand, and Pretoria, combined with the infrastructure capacity during these busy periods.”

He added that JMPD has received several concerns about delays in the area. “The JMPD monitors traffic patterns and gathers feedback from the public to help prioritise deployment strategies where they are most needed.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Rush-hour traffic slows to a crawl and drivers cut into oncoming lanes on the R55 as traffic congestion builds during peak hours and due to roadworks. Video: Comfort Makhanya #Midrand #R55 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“Officers are regularly deployed to manage and oversee traffic along the R55. However, due to current manpower shortages, we are unable to maintain a daily physical presence at this location. We aim to rotate our available resources to cover as many high-traffic points across the city as possible.”

We contacted Simphiwe Hlatshwayo, head of the roadworks project from the provincial roads department, for comment. We will publish it as soon as we receive it.

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