Motorists in Johannesburg are being warned to avoid Pretoria Main Road near Watt Avenue in Region E after the road was temporarily closed due to flooding.
Pretoria Main Road closure: Here’s what you must know
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) said on Monday, 29 September 2025, that a blocked kerb inlet—a drain on the side of the road designed to carry away rainwater—caused water to build up on the road.
This has made it unsafe for vehicles to pass. The situation became worse when a Metrobus got stuck in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane, forcing traffic authorities to shut down the road.
The JRA confirmed that Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) are on site to secure the area and prevent accidents.
The JRA’s Region E road maintenance team is currently working to clear the blocked drain.
“Motorists are requested to exercise extreme caution, avoid the area if possible, and adhere to all instructions from JMPD officials on site,” the JRA said.
Alternative routes for drivers
To ease congestion and help motorists reach their destinations, the JRA has suggested the following detours:
- For through traffic: Use the M1 Highway as the main alternative route.
- Northbound drivers can access the M1 at the Grayston on-ramp via Arkwright Avenue.
- Southbound drivers can access the M1 at Marlboro Drive.
- For local traffic: Drivers heading to nearby areas can use 4th Street and 5th Street in Wynberg. These are one-way streets and can be used to bypass the closed section of Pretoria Main Road.
The JRA has also warned residents and motorists about the risks of flooding during ongoing rains.
They advised people not to walk or drive through floodwaters, since even shallow water can be deeper than it appears. Floods can also hide debris, mud, or damaged roads.
Other key safety tips include:
- Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas.
- Drive slowly with headlights on for better visibility.
- Keep a safe following distance.
Pretoria Main Road is a busy route in Johannesburg, connecting different suburbs and carrying high volumes of Gauteng traffic every day.
Any closure causes major delays and congestion. The JRA has apologised for the inconvenience but stressed that safety must come first.