October is Transport Month, and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) marked its launch by unveiling improvements designed to make daily journeys through Braamfontein safer and smoother. Hosted by the City of Johannesburg's Transport Department and JRA on 1 October 2026, the launch at the corner of Jorissen and Station streets showcased the expanded partnership between JRA and the Braamfontein Crossings Improvement Project (BCIP).
The project focuses on improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and accessibility in the busy precinct, including routes used by students at Wits University.
Eight intersections along Jan Smuts Avenue, Jorissen, Eendracht and De Korte streets have received traffic signal upgrades. Wits will provide backup power to all eight intersections during outages, helping keep traffic lights operational and reducing delays for students, employees, residents and visitors.
“This is the official launch of Transport Month for 2026, and we are excited to start the month with such a big achievement," said Mehluli Nhlengethwa, JRA Head of Department in the Office of the CEO.
He said Braamfontein's mix of educational institutions, residential areas and recreational facilities made the improvements particularly important. Wits joins more than 70 private-sector partners supporting JRA's Traffic Signals Backup Power initiative, which began in May 2023.
The project goes beyond keeping traffic lights operational. Upgraded crossings feature pedestrian countdown timers and audible pushbuttons to assist people with visual impairments. Lane lights synchronised with traffic signals provide additional guidance, while wider pavements create more space for pedestrians.
Underground chambers have also been installed to house traffic signal controller equipment, helping protect it from theft and vandalism.
Brian Mahachi of Betapoint, BCIP's Principal Agent and Project Manager, said the R19 million project reflected a shared commitment by JRA and local property owners. He acknowledged JRA's technical guidance and coordination with City Power and Joburg Water while other work was under way in the area.
BCIP members – including Independent, Growthpoint, Wits, Eris, Southpoint, Advtech/IIE, Liberty, Betapoint, Calibre Eng and Pentacon Civils – contributed funding and participated throughout the project.
“They not only provided funding, they attended meetings diligently, giving their inputs and actively participating," Mahachi said.
The upgrades provide a practical example of how partnerships can improve safety, accessibility and the daily travel experience for the broader Braamfontein community.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
02/10/2026
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