Johannesburg woke up to a wet and wild Monday morning, with thundershowers and heavy rain causing localised flooding and slippery road conditions across Gauteng. The Johannesburg Emergency Services are on high alert, monitoring water levels and urging motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving.
Pretoria Main Road Closed Due to Flooding
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has announced the closure of Pretoria Main Road at the corner of Watt Avenue due to flooding caused by a blocked kerb inlet. The heavy rains have left roads, highways, and freeways wet and hazardous, impacting traffic flow throughout the city.
According to the JRA, a metrobus became stuck in the Bus Rapid Transit lane due to the localised flooding. Emergency medical services and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have been dispatched to secure the affected area. The JRA Region E road maintenance team is currently on-site working to clear the blocked kerb inlet.
Alternative Routes Advised
Motorists are advised to use the M1 Highway as the primary alternative route. For access to the immediate area, drivers can use 4th Street and 5th Street in Wynberg, noting that these are one-way streets designed to bypass the closed section of Pretoria Main Road.
The JRA and JMPD are urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid the affected area if possible, and follow instructions from JMPD officials on-site. The unstable spring weather is impacting several provinces, with KwaZulu-Natal also facing weather warnings. Stay safe out there, Joburg!
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Reduce your speed and increase following distance.
- Be aware of standing water and potential hydroplaning.
- Report any blocked drains or flooding to the JRA.