Johannesburg Metro Police warn of heavy delays as Sandton Drive closes for Red Bull Show Run
Sandton Drive will close southbound from October 1 as preparations begin for Sunday’s high-speed Formula 1 demonstration and box cart racing.
Sandton Drive, between Alice Lane and Grayston Drive, will close southbound from 19:00 today as preparations get underway for the Red Bull event on Sunday.
The closure is expected to affect motorists travelling through the Sandton CBD, with access to Sandton Drive in both directions redirected via Fifth Street.
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According to the Sandton Central traffic update, Sandton Drive will be fully closed for the event and will only partially reopen from October 6. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) warns motorists to plan their journeys and expect delays as the event brings increased activity and road restrictions to the Sandton precinct.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers would be deployed at key intersections to manage traffic and direct motorists. “Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, expect heavy delays and use alternative routes where possible,” said Fihla.
The main racing track for the Red Bull Show Run Joburg will be set up on Sandton Drive between Grayston Drive and Alice Lane, with further road closures scheduled from 07:00 to 17:00 on October 4.
Full closures will be implemented at Sandton Drive and Grayston Drive, as well as Sandton Drive and Alice Lane.
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Motorists travelling through the area are advised to use alternative routes, including Winnie Mandela Drive, the M1 via Marlboro Drive or Katherine Street, Katherine Street, Fredman Drive, Fifth Street, Ballyclare Drive and Bryanston Drive.
Fihla urged motorists to follow temporary traffic signs, barricades and detour instructions. “Directives given by officers on the ground override automatic traffic signals,” he said.
The Red Bull event is expected to attract spectators to Sandton Drive for a day of high-speed Formula 1 demonstrations and gravity-powered box cart racing. Gates open at 10:00 on Sunday, with the main event scheduled from 11:00 to 17:00.
Spectators are encouraged to use designated off-street parking at Sandton City Mall, Benmore Shopping Centre and Gautrain Sandton Station. “Residents and businesses located within closure zones should expect delays and adjust travel times accordingly,” said Fihla.
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