Pirates vs Sundowns clash is almost here, and traffic congestion will be inevitable, but there are alternative ways to get around.
Image: File
Football fans heading to FNB Stadium on Sunday, 16 March, for the highly anticipated Betway Premiership showdown between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns should prepare for significant traffic diversions and road closures around the stadium precinct. Local authorities have announced that certain roads will be blocked off to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of matchgoers. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will be deployed to assist with traffic control and pedestrian safety.
Roads affected by closures and traffic diversions. Motorists should take note of the following roads that will be impacted:
A contraflow traffic system will be implemented on Nasrec Road, providing extra lanes toward the stadium before the match and away from it afterward. This will stretch from N17 Traffic Circle to Shaft 17 Road on the northern side and from Adcock Ingram Avenue to Recreation Road on the southern side. The Soweto Highway will be closed from 11am until 8pm between the N1 Bridge and Mentz Street in Booysens, except for Rea Vaya and Park & Ride services. Additionally, Booysens Reserve Road will be closed between Crownwood Road and League Avenue/Nasrec Road.
Additional road closures will also be implemented starting at 5pm before the match ends. This includes closures on the N17 Eastbound between the N1 and the Nasrec Road traffic circle, as well as Rand Show Road Eastbound at N1 and Aerodrome Road. These measures are in place to enhance traffic flow after the match.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. It is advisable that from 11am to 8pm residents use Main Reef Road and Colorado Drive to enter and exit the Riverlea area. From 5pm, N1 South and N17 Eastbound will be closed, and all traffic will be diverted towards Soweto Highway to efficiently regulate traffic exiting the stadium after the game. Residents may use the Maraisburg exit during this period to avoid further delays.
From 5pm to 7pm Adcock Ingram Avenue will be closed, preventing access to Nasrec Road. Vehicles will not be permitted to travel towards the stadium as traffic will be prioritised for those exiting. Rand Show Road Eastbound will also be shut at N1 South, redirecting traffic toward Soweto. Additionally, Aerodrome Road will be closed at Rand Show Road near Nasrec Memorial Park, with vehicles rerouted to Diepkloof to help ease congestion.
Alternative routes to avoid the FNB Stadium Precinct include the N1 Highway, the M1 Highway, the N12 Highway, Albertina Sisulu Road, Main Reef Road, Aerodrome Road, and Adcock Ingram Road. JMPD officers will be on duty to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users, enforce traffic regulations, and assist with traffic flow before and after the game.
IOL Sport
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