The upgraded section of the K101, also known as the Old Johannesburg Road between Centurion and Midrand, has officially been opened, offering motorists travelling between Pretoria and Johannesburg an alternative to the often congested N1 freeway.

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) officially opened the upgraded corridor, which began construction in 2022. The route now extends from the D795 Road in Midrand to the N1 at Brakfontein Road in Centurion.

According to the provincial government, the project is expected to improve traffic flow, ease congestion on the N1, and strengthen the transport link between Tshwane and Johannesburg.

On July 8, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the project as a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to modernise transport infrastructure, improve mobility, enhance road safety, and support economic growth.

Lesufi highlighted that the upgraded road accommodates a wide range of users, including private motorists, freight operators, buses, taxis, pedestrians, and cyclists.

For those commuting between Pretoria, Midrand, and Johannesburg, the upgraded K101 provides an improved route along the corridor.

While some commuters may still rely on sections of the N1 during their journeys, the provincial government stated that the upgraded road is expected to ease traffic flow and offer an alternative travel option.

The upgrade project was launched in October 2022 in response to increasing traffic volumes along the corridor, which have grown from approximately 20 000 to more than 30 000 vehicles per day.

“Public transport accounts for nearly 30% of this traffic, underscoring the route’s critical role in facilitating the movement of both people and goods,” said Lesufi.

Speaking at the unveiling, he explained that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only improves mobility but also supports economic development across the province.

He emphasised that road infrastructure projects should form part of a broader, integrated approach to development.

Lesufi further emphasised the importance of ensuring that infrastructure projects contribute meaningfully to job creation, particularly by empowering and upskilling unemployed young people across Gauteng.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, stated that the project reflects the government’s commitment to using infrastructure investment as a catalyst for inclusive growth.

She described the K101 upgrade as a practical demonstration of how infrastructure can transform lives.

“It is not simply about roads, bridges, and traffic signals but about connecting communities to opportunities, improving mobility, enhancing safety, and supporting economic development.”

As the region continues to grow, Diale-Tlabela noted the importance of ensuring that transport infrastructure keeps up to pace with development and supports the efficient movement of people and goods.

The completed project includes about 5km of dual carriageway, three bridges, nearly 6km of pedestrian walkways, dedicated cycling lanes, five new traffic signals, upgrades to two existing traffic signals, approximately 3km of street lighting, and additional bus bays to improve access to public transport.

According to the provincial government, these improvements are expected to significantly reduce travel times, improve traffic flow, and enhance access to surrounding residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

The inclusion of pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, improved lighting, and upgraded traffic signals is also expected to create a safer and more inclusive transport environment for all road users.

The GPG has urged communities to safeguard the upgraded road by reporting vandalism, illegal dumping, and any damage to road infrastructure.

This will help ensure that the investment continues to benefit road users, surrounding communities, and the provincial economy for years to come.

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