Golden Highway roadworks to continue until September 2026 amid traffic chaos and stolen signage

Motorists battling daily congestion on the Golden Highway may have to endure the disruption for much longer, with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport confirming that the rehabilitation project is only expected to reach practical completion by mid-September 2026.

The department has now clarified that the works form part of the rehabilitation of Provincial Road P73, stretching from kilometre 41, 0 at the R558 intersection to kilometre 62, 24, just beyond the M68 intersection at Chris Hani Road and Columbine Avenue.

According to the department’s spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya, the aim is to strengthen the existing pavement structure so the road can cope with anticipated traffic demand over the design period.

The explanation comes after mounting complaints from motorists who say the construction has turned the busy route into a bottleneck, particularly at the Golden Highway intersection leading to Lenasia and Eikenhof. Drivers have also raised alarm over what they describe as a lack of visible warning signs and poor communication about delays, leaving many road users caught off guard by the ongoing works.

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In response, the department said the road has been divided into six sections of about 4 km each, with the contractor allowed to work on a maximum of three sections at a time, provided there is at least 4 km between active work zones to reduce disruption and improve safety.

Sections 1, 3, 5 and 6 are reportedly substantially complete, with only ancillary works still underway, while the remaining major construction is taking place on Sections 2 and 4.

Mpya also revealed that the project has been hit by persistent theft of temporary traffic signs, delineators and other traffic accommodation devices along the route.

It said stolen signs are replaced as soon as the thefts are identified, while additional plastic barriers have been installed along the centreline to improve traffic guidance and provide extra protection for motorists and pedestrians.

Monthly Project Steering Committee meetings are being held with the employer, contractor and other stakeholders, he said, with traffic accommodation and public safety remaining standing items on the agenda. Any concerns raised are discussed, and corrective action is agreed upon and implemented by the contractor.

While the department insists the project is progressing toward completion, frustrated motorists are likely to view the timeline as cold comfort as they continue to navigate congestion, delays and safety concerns on one of the area’s busiest routes.

“The contractor also intends to improve communication with road users by providing regular updates on traffic delays and construction activities at affected intersections, thereby enabling motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and minimise inconvenience,” Mpya concluded.