Johannesburg traffic alert: Severe delays after SAMWU workers block M1 highway

Johannesburg motorists face severe peak-hour delays after SAMWU members blocked the M1 Freeway in both directions at Smit Street in Braamfontein over a wage dispute, prompting the JMPD to close the highway and issue urgent traffic diversions.

Joburg Motorists Experience Travel Delays as Municipal Workers Block M1 Freeway over Wage Disputes

Johannesburg motorists have been warned to stay clear of the M1 Freeway at Smit Street in Braamfontein due to road closures. 

Traffic was disrupted on Monday afternoon when protesters from the SA frican Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) blocked the freeway in both directions.

Police say motorists should expect significant delays during peak travel hours and plan accordingly. 

According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), municipal workers blocked the road due to wage disputes. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said workers completely closed the M1 Freeway north- and southbound, including the on- and off-ramps. 

JMPD officers have been deployed to the area to manage traffic flow, direct cars safely away from the protest, and monitor the situation. 

Police urged motorists travelling on the M1 southbound from Sandton or Rosebank to divert off at Empire Road or Jan Smuts Avenue and proceed via Parktown into the outer CBD routes. 

Motorists travelling on the M1 northbound from Booysens or Johannesburg South are urged to divert via Booysens Road or join the M2 East Joe Slovo Drive to avoid the CBD. Other motorists are encouraged to use the M2 Highway, M11 (Victoria Avenue/Joubert Park) or the N1 Western Bypass to avoid the CBD altogether. 

Drivers are encouraged to approach any diversions cautiously and follow the directions of the traffic police present.