TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 26 OCTOBER 2026 | 14H45 TRAFFIC DISRUPTION: M1 FREEWAY CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AT SMIT STREET (JOHANNESBURG CBD / BRAAMFONTEIN) The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) advises motorists of severe traffic disruptions currently taking place in the Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas due to ongoing protest action by members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) regarding wage disputes. There's a complete road closure in both directions on the M1 Freeway north and southbound at the Smit Street off-ramps and on-ramps (Braamfontein / Joburg CBD area). Heavy traffic congestion and severe delays are expected along the M1 corridor. JMPD officers have been deployed to the affected area to manage traffic flow, direct vehicles safely away from the protest, and monitor the situation. Active diversions are currently in place. Motorists travelling towards or through the CBD are urged to avoid the M1 around the Braamfontein interchange and consider using alternative routes: Motorists travelling southbound on the M1 from Sandton or Rosebank are advised to divert off at Empire Road or Jan Smuts Avenue and proceed via Parktown into outer CBD routes. Those travelling northbound on the M1 from Booysens or the South should divert via Booysens Road or join the M2 East / Joe Slovo Drive to bypass the CBD core. Additionally, east-west commuters are encouraged to utilise the M2 Highway, M11 (Victoria Avenue / Joubert Park), or the N1 Western Bypass to clear the central district entirely. Motorists are advised to approach all diversions with caution and obey instructions given by traffic officers on the scene. Expect significant delays during peak travel hours and allow for extra travel time. ENDS Issued by:Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) – Communications Unit #SaferJoburg #JoburgRoadSafety #JHBTraffic

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