The 5 worst intersections in Sandton
SANDTON - While Sandton is known as the richest square mile in Africa and the trend capital of South Africa, it is also known for its debilitating congestion.
Whether you’re driving home from work on Sandton Drive, or having a relaxing afternoon drive up Rivonia Road, there will always be some bumper-to-bumper action that will have you tearing your hair out.
Spokesperson for the Metro police Wayne Minnaar said, “The primary cause of heavy traffic at certain intersection is motorists who try to cross an intersection just before, or when, the traffic light turns red and in doing so end up in the middle of the intersection and obstruct the cross traffic.”
He added that motorists who do this should be aware that they face R1 000 fine for obstructing traffic.
Here are the five of the worst intersections in Sandton:
Fifth Street/ Grayston Drive:
This intersection is a perfect example of motorists willing to obstruct traffic with the cross over from traffic from Fifth Street moving onto Grayston Drive towards Rivonia Road being block. The primary time of congestion usually occurs in the late afternoon between 3pm and 6pm.
Grayston Drive/Rivonia Road
The Grayston Drive and Rivonia Road intersection is notorious for having a large intersection which collects a large degree of congestion with traffic lights that change rapidly, giving motorists a shorter period of time to cross the road. The usual nightmare period occurs around 4pm.
William Nicol Drive/Sandton Drive
A high accident spot, the William Nicol Drive and Sandton Drive intersection acts as a gateway out of Sandton with motorists using the intersection to drive through to Bryanston and Fourways. With a great number of unruly drivers, there are regular accidents in the middle of the intersection causing a great deal of congestion.
Argyle/St. Andrews/Sutherland/Cormatie
With an awkwardly designed intersection and faded stop signs, this intersection is consistently blocked in the early morning and late afternoon when commuters are going to and from work. Sutherland Avenue usually collects a long line of cars waiting to cross over, forcing some unruly commuters to make illegal turns onto William Nicol Drive.
11th Street/Elizabeth Avenue
The early mornings, between 6am and 8am, are a nightmare for motorists going up 11th Street towards Grayston Drive with taxi drivers regularly parking in the middle of the road to pick up customers or driving in the oncoming lane.
