The long awaited G20 Leaders Summit – the first G20 summit held in Johannesburg and on the African continent – is around the corner and transporters should take note that a number of road closures and associated disruptions will be playing havoc with normal transport routes – starting November 15^th.

Freight operators in the Gauteng region should be aware that the closure/disruption area spans major highways, arterial roads and some alternative route corridors. To help plan routes during this time, here is what is expected:

Location & Scope
The summit is being hosted in Johannesburg, with the main venue around Nasrec Precinct (southern Johannesburg) and of course, many associated routes around central, northern and western Johannesburg suburbs.

Key Dates & Times
On Saturday 15 November 2025, between approximately 09h00 and 13h00, a major coordinated traffic operation will be underway: rolling road closures, lane restrictions, and intermittent traffic flow disruptions.

The summit itself is scheduled for 22-23 November, so leading up to and during this period higher security and traffic restrictions will apply.

On top of this, authorities have warned of potential national-scale disruptions, including protest-action and shutdowns, so logistics between 21-23 November should be planned accordingly.

Routes & Roads Affected
Major highways/regional routes

• N1 (National Route 1) (around Johannesburg) – expected closures or lane restrictions.
• M1 Motorway (Johannesburg) – similarly targeted for traffic disruptions.
• N12 (National Route 12) – included in the list of major routes to avoid.

Urban/arterial roads (Johannesburg)

A non-exhaustive list of roads flagged for possible closure or heavy traffic controls:

• 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street.
• Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Kathrine Street.
• Whiteley Road, Melrose Boulevard.
• Athol Oaklands Road, Oxford Road, Glenhove Road.
• Jan Smuts Avenue, Winnie Mandela Drive, Hendrick Potgieter Road.
• Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road, Golden Highway (Nasrec area).

Alternative/Suggested Routes

To assist in avoiding the closure zones, authorities have provided alternative corridors:

• In Roodepoort area: Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan-de-Wet Road or Ontdekkers Road instead of Hendrick Potgieter Road.
• In Fourways: Use Main Road, Cedar Road and Witkoppen Road as alternatives.
• In Sandton/Rosebank/Parktown: Side-streets parallel to Jan Smuts/Oxford/Rivonia – such as Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive and 11th Avenue.
• In southern Johannesburg/Riverlea/Nasrec/Ormonde View: Use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road, Soweto Highway, N17, Aerodrome Road and Adcock Ingram Road.

Impacts & Considerations for Logistics/Trucking
Given your logistics planning context, here are key operational considerations:

• Allow extra travel time: expect delays, especially during 09h00-13h00 on 15 November across the listed routes.
• Rolling closures: closures may be intermittent and convoy-driven (security vehicle movement) rather than static full-shutdowns.
• Emergency/essential services priority: freight may still move but may face restrictions or need pre-authorisation depending on zone.
• Alternative route planning: If your cargo route uses central corridors (Nasrec, Sandton or central to southern Johannesburg), make use of the suggested alternates.
• Advance notification to drivers: ensure your driver roster is briefed on potential closures and recommended diversions.
• Monitor for protest/disruption: Aside from traffic operations, there’s mention of a planned national shutdown (by advocacy group) which could affect broader traffic and supply-chain flow.
• Coordination with security teams: Given the summit security, your usual operational windows may be tightened or shifted; radio-comm, route reconnaissance may be advisable.

Summary timeline for your use

• Now – 14 November: Final route-clarification, signage, security installations likely in progress.
• 15 Nov (09:00-13:00): Major joint traffic operation/rolling closures across the city.
• 16-21 Nov: Ramp-up phase; expect elevated controls, maybe more lane closures, increased checkpoint activity.
• 22–23 Nov: Summit days – the greatest security and traffic control presence; major highways/arterials may be blocked at certain intervals.
• Post-23 Nov: Some residual closures may carry on as delegates depart and clear-up happens.

Travel safe and may the wind be always at your back.

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