G20 Summit ‘dry run’ leads to road closures on key routes in Gauteng on Friday, Saturday
As Johannesburg gears up to host the significant G20 Leaders’ Summit next month, residents and motorists are urged to prepare for a series of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions. With world leaders set to convene in Nasrec, extensive planning is underway to ensure a secure and smooth event.
The operation, spearheaded by a coalition of traffic management agencies, is designed to facilitate the movement of dignitaries while minimising disruptions to everyday life for citizens.
On Friday and Saturday, a dry run will test the traffic management strategies across the three metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. This exercise will simulate the traffic control protocols that will be adhered to during the summit, prioritising high-security routes associated with the national highways.
From 9:00 to 13:00 on Friday, various major access routes in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni will close intermittently, affecting transportation drastically. Key arteries such as the N1, N3, N12, M1, R21, R24, and R512 will see interruptions. Motorists using these roads on this day are urged to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays.
🚨 MEDIA ADVISORY: WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER ROADS: GAUTENG’S JOINT TRAFFIC OPERATION ON 24 – 25 OCTOBER 2025 @TrafficRTMC @JoburgMPD @GTP_Traffstats @CityofJoburgZA @_ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/u0yVB9r8TC
— Joburg Roads Agency (@MyJRA) October 23, 2025
Saturday promises to bring further changes to the flow of traffic, with closures in Johannesburg occurring from 8:00 to 10:00 and again from 13:00 to 14:30. Significant roads including Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, and the Golden Highway will be impacted.
As these major arteries experience disruptions, motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes such as the M57 for travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria and Beyers Naudé Drive instead of R512 or N1 for west and northwest travel.
The situation is particularly time-sensitive for those travelling east-west; it’s advisable to utilise regional streets through Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview, steering clear of the R24/N12 where possible. In bustling districts like Sandton, Rosebank, and Parktown, residents are encouraged to explore side streets parallel to the main thoroughfares like Jan Smuts and Oxford Roads as a means of circumventing the congestion.
For areas in southern Johannesburg, including Riverlea and Nasrec, alternative routes such as Chris Hani Road and Main Reef Road will serve as vital detours for commuters looking to evade anticipated traffic snarls during this high-profile event.
Authorities remind the public to remain patient and aware of ongoing developments as preparations reach their peak.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News