Peak traffic times and days to avoid this Easter

Peak traffic times and days to avoid this Easter

It’s almost the Easter weekend, and with it comes busy roads…

BUSY LONG ROAD
iStock

If you’re planning to take on a long road trip this Easter weekend, you might want to have a second look at your travelling times and days.

The Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire has warned of heavy congestion on major routes and is urging motorists to plan their trips with care

READ: How much you're paying for Easter eggs in 2026

Bakwena shared its traffic management strategy for the upcoming holiday rush, specifically highlighting the N1 and N4 routes running through Gauteng, Limpopo and North West.

To steer clear of heavy traffic, Bakwena suggests avoiding the roads during these expected peak periods:

  • Thursday, 2 April: 12:00 – 21:00
  • Friday, 3 April: 06:00 – 15:00
  • Monday, 6 April: 12:00 – 21:00

“As we prepare for the major influx of traffic, we want to remind road users that the road is a shared space,” says Bakwena Chief Operations Officer, Solomon Kganyago.

“It takes one good decision to save a life. We urge motorists to buckle up, obey speed limits, and ensure both drivers and vehicles are fit for the journey.”

To help with traffic flow, Bakwena is rolling out a full operational plan. This includes pausing roadworks along critical routes to keep lanes open. You can also expect to see increased law enforcement visibility, with more blue lights and additional patrol vehicles to assist with breakdowns or accidents.

Warning for drivers

Fatigue is a major risk on long hauls, so the advice is to pull over for a break every two hours or every 200 km.

When it comes to toll plazas, a little preparation goes a long way. 

READ: More SA parents opt for homeschooling as private school prices soar

“The most efficient method of payment remains the SANRAL tag for seamless payment and travel,” the concessionaire noted. Make sure your account is topped up before you leave to avoid any delays.

Roadside help

If you run into trouble, Bakwena’s 24/7 emergency line is standing by. You can reach them on 0800 Bakwena (0800 225 9362).

Pro tip: Use the blue kilometre markers along the route to tell operators exactly where you are. For live traffic updates while you’re on the move, you can also follow @bakwenan1n4 on X.

With the roads expected to be busy, authorities are urging everyone to stay patient, plan ahead, and make safety the top priority this Easter.

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Image: iStock

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