Football fans travelling to FNB Stadium on Sunday, 16 March, for the highly anticipated Betway Premiership encounter between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns should be aware of major road closures and traffic diversions in the area. To ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of spectators, local authorities have announced several roadblocks around the stadium precinct. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will be present to assist with managing traffic and pedestrian movement.
Pirates vs Sundowns: Road Closures and Diversions
Motorists should take note of the following roads that will be impacted before, during, and after the match:
- Nasrec Road, Rifle Range Road, M1 South & North
- N1 South & North, Shackleton Road
- Allouette Road, Landbou Street
- Commerce Street, Golden Highway
- Aerodrome Road, Adcock Ingram Avenue
- Soweto Highway, Booysens Reserve Road
- Crownwood Road, Shaft 17
- N17 Freeway, League Avenue
- Treu Road, Stadium Avenue
- Recreation Road, Ring Road
- Jukskei Drive, Colorado Avenue, and Amethyst Road
Johannesburg Traffic Diversion Plan
A contraflow traffic system will be implemented on Nasrec Road to improve movement towards the stadium before kickoff and away from it post-match. This will extend from the N17 Traffic Circle to Shaft 17 Road on the northern side, and from Adcock Ingram Avenue to Recreation Road on the southern side.
Additionally, the Soweto Highway will be closed from 11:00 to 20:00 between the N1 Bridge and Mentz Street in Booysens, except for Rea Vaya buses and Park & Ride services. Booysens Reserve Road will also be inaccessible between Crownwood Road and League Avenue/Nasrec Road.
From 17:00 onwards, more road closures will be enforced, including:
- N17 Eastbound between N1 and Nasrec Road traffic circle
- Rand Show Road Eastbound at N1 and Aerodrome Road
These restrictions are aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow after the match.
Public Transport & Travel Options
Spectators are encouraged to use public transport for a hassle-free journey to the stadium. Available options include:
- Rea Vaya Buses – Running throughout the day, providing convenient access to the venue.
- Minibus Taxis – Available from key taxi ranks in Johannesburg and Soweto.
- Park & Ride Services – Operating from selected shopping centres, allowing fans to park their cars and take a shuttle.
- E-hailing & Drop-off Zones – Designated pick-up and drop-off areas will be provided for Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing services.
Alternative Routes and Advice for Residents
To avoid heavy congestion, residents are advised to use Main Reef Road and Colorado Drive to enter and exit the Riverlea area between 11:00 and 20:00. From 17:00 onwards, the N1 South and N17 Eastbound will be closed, diverting all traffic toward Soweto Highway. Those looking to avoid delays can use the Maraisburg exit.
For Ormonde residents, Adcock Ingram Avenue will be closed from 17:00 to 19:00, preventing access to Nasrec Road. Vehicles will not be permitted to head towards the stadium, as priority will be given to exiting traffic. Rand Show Road Eastbound will also be shut at N1 South, redirecting vehicles toward Soweto. Aerodrome Road will be closed at Rand Show Road near Nasrec Memorial Park, with traffic rerouted to Diepkloof to reduce congestion.
Also Read: Johannesburg Faces Traffic Crisis: R70 Million Needed to Repair Vandalised Traffic Lights
Alternative routes around the stadium include the N1 Highway, M1 Highway, N12 Highway, Albertina Sisulu Road, Main Reef Road, Aerodrome Road, and Adcock Ingram Road. JMPD officers will be stationed at key points to ensure traffic laws are enforced and to assist both motorists and pedestrians before and after the match.
Fans are advised to arrive early and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays.
