Rivonia Road turns into gridlocked time bomb daily
Severe congestion caused by roadworks, illegal parking, and Gautrain drop-offs is pushing Sandton commuters to breaking point, prompting JMPD intervention and urgent calls for long-term solutions.
Daily commuters travelling through Rivonia Road in Sandton are facing growing frustration and safety concerns due to severe congestion caused by ongoing roadworks, illegal parking, and Gautrain-related drop-offs and pick-ups.
Theresa de Wilzin, who works at Dewey McLean Levy Inc Attorneys in the Sandton City Office Towers, said the situation has become increasingly unmanageable, particularly during peak hours. “When I come in from Sandton Drive in the mornings and turn left into Rivonia Road, there are only two lanes available. People stop right on that corner to drop off and pick up Gautrain travellers. I’ve even seen a taxi driver park there and sleep while waiting for passengers.”
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According to De Wilzin, once the left lane fills with stationary vehicles, taxis and private cars often stop in the right lane as well, leaving no space for through traffic. “When both lanes are blocked, traffic simply grinds to a halt. It’s already extremely busy, around 07:00, and I don’t even want to imagine what it looks like closer to 08:00. This is a ticking time bomb.”
The problem continues in the afternoon as well. De Wilzin said exiting the area after work is just as challenging. “In the afternoons, we can’t get into the right lane at all. We’re forced into the left lane and can only move if someone is kind enough to let us in. After a long day’s work, everyone just wants to get home, but this has turned into a total disaster.”
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She also highlighted the added pressure caused by vehicles crossing from Rivonia Road over Sandton Drive, compounding congestion at an already overwhelmed intersection.
In response to these concerns, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that several immediate and longer-term interventions are being implemented. “In the interim, the JMPD has deployed a vehicle to monitor the affected area and placed a points person at the intersection of Pybus and Rivonia roads to assist with directing traffic flow.”
He added that enforcement is being stepped up at the Gautrain station drop-off area. “We are actively posting a JMPD vehicle at the problematic area to monitor the drop-off zone and enforce compliance. Another vehicle is specifically deployed at the Gautrain station to prevent vehicles from blocking lanes.”
Fihla warned that motorists who illegally park and cause congestion face escalating consequences. “Penalties range from a fine to the immediate removal of the vehicle, in line with the National Road Traffic Act and municipal by-laws.”
Fihla added that JMPD has facilitated a formal meeting scheduled for next week with the City of Johannesburg transport department and Johannesburg Roads Agency. “The goal is to co-ordinate efforts and find an amicable, long-term solution for all parties involved, including transport operators.”
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