G20 Day 2 | Major road closures and traffic disruptions in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has warned motorists to expect heavy traffic and major road closures on Sunday as the G20 Leaders’ Summit concludes.
High-volume VIP movements will trigger full closures between 7am and 10am and again from 3pm to 8pm.
The summit, which began on Saturday, 22 November, has already caused significant congestion across Johannesburg, prompting a strong police presence to ensure the safety of delegates and visitors.
A total of 42 countries are participating, including 20 G20 members (excluding the United States), 16 guest countries and six nations representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said rolling closures will continue throughout the day as delegations depart.
“The rolling closures are active, and motorists are advised that highways and main arterials will be completely closed intermittently to allow convoys to pass,” he said.
Each closure may cause standstill traffic lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
Several specific road closures remain in effect around the Nasrec Precinct, the summit venue. These include:
– Nasrec Road: Closed between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road
– Rand Show Road: Northern portion closed between the N1 and Nasrec Road
– Golden Highway: Closed between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway
– Booysens Reserve Road: Closed near Crownwood Road
Fihla added that major disruptions are also expected in Sandton and Rosebank as dignitaries travel between accommodations, affecting Grayston Drive, Rivonia Road, Maude Street, Oxford Road and Jan Smuts Avenue.
Severe thunderstorm warnings in Gauteng may worsen conditions.
“The combination of slippery roads, poor visibility and heavy G20 congestion significantly increases the risk of accidents,” Fihla said.
Although no new major blockages were reported on Sunday morning, the road network remains “extremely fragile,” with any minor incident likely to cause gridlock.
Motorists are urged to avoid the N1, M1, N12, R21 and R24. Recommended alternatives include:
Roodepoort: Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan de Wet Road or Ontdekkers Road
Sandton/North: Side streets parallel to Rivonia Road and Oxford Road
South: Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road or Soweto Highway (where open).
IOL