Sandton roads to get an upgrade after city investment
The City of Johannesburg is rolling out a comprehensive plan to address the mounting frustrations caused by potholes and poor road conditions, especially in high-traffic areas like Sandton.
Through a substantial R149.9m allocation for the 2025/26 financial year, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is set to resurface key arterial routes, including parts of the M1 North and South, Sandton Highway, and other main roads that connect the vibrant business district to the rest of the city.
This targeted investment responds to the urgent need for safer, more reliable roads. The initiative includes proactive and reactive maintenance, road rehabilitation, and reinstatement of roads affected by excavations – particularly those caused by infrastructure repairs by Johannesburg Water (JW).
Also read: JRA responds to Kew pothole concerns
A visual conditions assessment (VCA) has identified roads in 'very poor' condition that require reconstruction or resurfacing, ensuring resources are focused where they are most needed.
JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi said: 'This increased budget, up from R105m last financial year, reflects our commitment to addressing roads that have deteriorated beyond repair and will restore the public's trust in our infrastructure. We are focused on delivering tangible improvements that will alleviate the daily challenges faced by commuters.'
MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene emphasised the importance of these upgrades. 'Johannesburg's road infrastructure, in some areas, was not designed for today's traffic volumes. Resurfacing main arterial roads is critical to ensuring safe and efficient mobility, especially on municipal highways and other key commuter routes, which are vital for the city's economic and social growth.'
Also read: Sandton roads to get a major makeover
Nyathi concluded: 'JRA will utilise asphalt produced at its Booysens Asphalt Plant to maintain quality and efficiency during resurfacing. Additionally, the agency is working closely with JW to reduce reinstatement backlogs by 75%, restoring roads and sidewalks affected by utility excavations.'
According to Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart, the money invested for road repairs has decreased compared to previous financial years. 'In previous financial years, the line item for potholes has been about R200m, but limited and uneven spending has led to JRA cherry-picking repairs, leaving many potholes unaddressed.
'The city has, generally, underinvested in road maintenance and pothole fixing, which is urgently needed. Streets like Gayre Drive, North Road, Westbrooke Drive in Sandown, Riverside Road in Glen Athol, and 2nd Street in Wynberg, by the Magistrate's Court, are in desperate need of pothole repairs.'
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