28 September 2026, Gauteng – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users of the updated temporary traffic provisions on the N1 Freeway Southbound between km 54.0 S and km 51.2 S.
These traffic updates and measures are required to allow for safe relocation of the existing gantry, while maintaining a safe and steady traffic flow along the affected portion of road. Road users are advised to take note and consider the updated road conditions and exercise caution and plan accordingly when traveling along the road.
Closure Details:
- Date: 28th of September 2026
- Location: N1 Freeway Southbound, km 54.0 S to km 51.2 S
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 3 lane road closure between 19:00 and 04:00
- Closure distances:
- Lane Closure: Three lanes will be temporarily closed along the N1 Freeway Southbound to facilitate the relocation of the existing gantry and the construction of the bridge abutments. The N1 Southbound will remain open to traffic, with road users accommodated within the remaining available lanes under the temporary traffic arrangement.
- Transition Area 1 (200 m): A 200 m transition area will be provided prior to the affected work area to safely divert traffic from the existing lane configuration into the temporary traffic accommodation. The Three left-hand lanes will be progressively funnelled into the two right-hand lanes between km 54.0 S and km 51.2 S. Traffic entering from the Allandale Road on-ramp will also be incorporated into the temporary traffic arrangement.
- Stabilization Zones (150 m): A 150 m stabilization zone will be provided following each lane merge to allow motorists sufficient distance to adjust to the temporary lane configuration and maintain a stable traffic flow before proceeding through the next section of the traffic accommodation.
- Buffer Zone (100 m): A 100 m buffer zone will be maintained between live traffic and the construction area to provide a safe separation distance between road users and construction personnel. This buffer will provide a protected area for the execution of the works while maintaining the safe movement of traffic through the construction zone.
- Work Zone (100 m): A 100 m protected work zone will be established to facilitate the relocation of the gantry and construction of the bridge abutments. Traffic will be accommodated within the temporary lane configuration while construction activities are undertaken within the protected work area. The relocated gantry will be positioned to maintain the visibility of the signage while ensuring that it does not interfere with the proposed bridge structure.
- Transition Area 2 (200 m): A 200 m transition area will be provided beyond the affected work area to safely guide traffic from the temporary lane configuration back towards the normal lane arrangement. The traffic accommodation will progressively return to the normal configuration, with the road arrangement resuming normal operation from approximately km 51.2 S.
- Termination Area (300m): A 300 m termination area will be provided at the end of the temporary traffic accommodation to safely guide motorists from the temporary lane configuration back into the normal lane arrangement. The termination area will provide sufficient distance for traffic to gradually return to the standard N1 Southbound Lane configuration and ensure a safe and orderly transition for road users beyond the work area.
- Location Reference: The affected section of the N1 Southbound extends from the Allandale Road interchange towards the N1-N3 Buccleuch Interchange, as indicated in Figure 1.
“We thank you for your cooperation and adherence to these changes. Please be aware of all speed limits, traffic signage and marshals directing traffic for your safety and the safety of other road users and construction personnel” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL Provincial Head for the Gauteng Province.
SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused by these measures and the roads agency remains committed to improving the safety and quality of our national roads. Please note these measures are for the interest of public safety.
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For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 pressoffice@nra.co.za