M1 Freeway Closed in Both Directions as SAMWU Wage Protest Disrupts Johannesburg Traffic

Motorists travelling through Johannesburg are facing severe traffic disruptions after the M1 Freeway was closed in both directions at Smit Street amid ongoing protest action by members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU).

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) issued a traffic advisory on Monday, 26 October 2026, warning motorists about significant congestion affecting the Johannesburg central business district (CBD), Braamfontein and surrounding areas.

According to the JMPD, the protest is linked to wage disputes involving municipal workers. The road closure affects both northbound and southbound traffic on the M1 Freeway at the Smit Street on-ramps and off-ramps.

Traffic officers have been deployed to the affected area to manage traffic flow, direct motorists away from the protest and monitor developments. Diversions have also been introduced to help motorists avoid the affected section of the highway.

The JMPD has urged motorists travelling towards Johannesburg CBD or passing through Braamfontein to consider alternative routes until the situation improves.

Drivers travelling southbound on the M1 from Sandton or Rosebank are advised to exit at Empire Road or Jan Smuts Avenue and continue through Parktown towards alternative routes into the CBD.

Motorists travelling northbound from Booysens or other southern areas are encouraged to use Booysens Road or access the M2 East and Joe Slovo Drive to bypass the central business district.

East-west commuters can also consider using the M2 Highway, M11 Victoria Avenue or the N1 Western Bypass to avoid the congested central area.

The police department has warned that significant delays are expected, particularly during peak travel hours. Motorists are encouraged to allow additional time for their journeys and follow instructions from traffic officers managing the diversions.

The disruption comes as municipal workers take their grievances over wage disputes to the streets, affecting one of Johannesburg’s important transport corridors.

Commuters heading to work, businesses and other destinations in the city are advised to remain alert and plan their journeys carefully.

The JMPD has urged all road users to approach diversion points cautiously and cooperate with officers on the ground to maintain safety and reduce further congestion.

Motorists are advised to avoid the M1 around the Smit Street and Braamfontein interchange until further notice and use alternative routes where possible.

Issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Communications Unit.

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