The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has reported a significant milestone in the city's commitment to robust infrastructure development, confirming a capital injection of R2.8-billion over the next three financial years.

The agency notes that this substantial allocation, as outlined in the City of Johannesburg's 2025 Budget Speech, underscores a dedicated focus on enhancing and modernising critical road, stormwater and bridge infrastructure to improve mobility, and safety, as well as foster sustainable urban growth.

The JRA says this R2.8-billion investment forms a cornerstone of the city's broader R26.2-billion three-year capital budget.

For the immediate 2025/26 financial year, the JRA has been allocated a specific budget of R912.81-million, which it says will be strategically deployed across a range of crucial programmes to address the persistent challenges posed by Johannesburg's aging road network.

The JRA says its Infrastructure Development Department will continue to demonstrate its robust capability in executing capital projects, ensuring essential services are delivered in line with its mandate.

Key programmes for the 2025/26 financial year include road network upgrades.

The JRA says comprehensive road reconstruction and rehabilitation, along with the critical resurfacing of existing road networks, will be prioritised.

This includes upgrading high-traffic corridors that link townships to major economic centres, aiming to ease congestion and enhance connectivity.

The city-wide resurfacing programme goes beyond pothole repair and patching and is backed by a R149-million investment for the 2025/26 financial year, and will include, among others, roads in Ward 17 which links Kliptown to Eldorado Park, Ward 80, Lord Khanyisile road, and London road, Alexandra, the M1 and M2 highways, as well as the Soweto highway.

Additionally, in the 2025/26 financial year, the JRA says R189-million will be invested towards stormwater expansion in vulnerable areas such as Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Braamfischerville, Protea Glen and Kliptown to enhance flood mitigation.

The agency says this encompasses the conversion of open drains to underground channels, the rehabilitation of open channels, emergency stormwater repairs, and the development of new stormwater catchments.

Moreover, the JRA notes that continued investment in the city’s vital bridge infrastructure remains a priority, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of bridges and culverts across Johannesburg.

It says the city is connecting communities by investing R152-million for bridge rehabilitation in the 2025/26 period, and these bridge rehabilitations will include, but not be limited to, Sjampagne bridge, Elias Motsoaledi bridge, Moroka Nancefield road bridge, FNB Stadium bridge, Lenasia bridge and the New Naledi bridge.

Key programmes also include the upgrading of traffic signal infrastructure, including the installation of Intelligent Transport Systems and implementing geometric improvements on existing roads will enhance traffic flow and safety.

The JRA says the city is tackling traffic signal downtime head-on with a R60-million investment for the 2025/26 period.

This will include traffic signal upgrades and refurbishments City-wide including Winne Mandela drive, Hendrik Potgieter road, Malibongwe drive, Chris Hani road, Main road, Ontdekkers road, Mooki road and Soweto highway.

Additionally, the agency notes that strategic construction of new roads will further expand and optimise the city's network.

Further, the JRA says the upgrading of gravel roads to surfaced standards will continue, inclusive of associated stormwater infrastructure, improving accessibility and living conditions in previously underserved areas including Kaalfontein, Orange Farm, Tshepisong, Diepsloot and Mayibuye.

"We are profoundly grateful for the significant R2.8-billion commitment from the City of Johannesburg over the next three years, and specifically the R912.81-million allocated for the 2025/26 financial year,” says JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi.

“While we acknowledge that the magnitude of our aging infrastructure requires substantially more investment, every rand allocated will be utilised efficiently and effectively to make a tangible difference in the lives of Johannesburg residents and road users.

“This budget is a testament to the city's dedication to building a functional, resilient, and accessible urban environment,” Nyathi continues.

"The JRA’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate is unwavering. This budget, though not fully sufficient to address the vast challenges of our aging road and stormwater networks, provides us with critical resources to continue our essential work.

“We acknowledge the city’s significant road infrastructure backlog of R276-billion with R90-billion needed for the expansive road network, R37-billion needed for bridge repairs, R144-billion for catchments, dams and stormwater drainage and our sidewalks requiring R4-billion.

“We appreciate the support and will strive to maximise the impact of these funds on maintaining and developing a safe and efficient road network for all,” adds Transport MMC Kenny Kunene.

The JRA says it is committed to transparent and accountable use of public funds, ensuring that every project contributes to a more sustainable and functional road network for the City of Johannesburg.

Residents are encouraged to report road and stormwater issues through the JRA's official channels to assist in prioritising interventions.