The inclusion of a dedicated MyCiTi/IRT bus lane along existing roads (such as around the Civic Centre station) has resulted in the need to change the traffic signals at some major intersections.

As the bus lanes are in the middle of the road, the movement of the buses through the intersections poses a safety risk to motorists turning right across the bus lanes, unless these movements are carefully managed by traffic signals.

The major changes to the operation of the traffic signals is the introduction of a separate set of traffic signals for right turns by vehicles (other than buses) and the introduction of dedicated bus signals. This means that each approach to an IRT-affected intersection will have one set of signals for buses in the bus lane and two sets of signals for other traffic (one set of signals for right turns, and one set of signals for through and left turns).

The bus-lane signals have a bus-shaped lens through which the red, amber or green light shines (see bus signal image on the right). Signs displaying the word ‘Bus’ will soon be installed above these signals.

The other two sets of traffic signals are clearly identified by the supplementary signboards attached above the signal face, which display arrows indicating which movements are controlled by each signal (see images of signal heads and signs depicted on the right).

Right turning traffic cannot proceed into the intersection unless the signal face with the right turn arrow sign above it, is flashing green. Similarly through and left turning traffic must comply with the signals above which the combined straight ahead and left turn arrows are displayed.

In order to make the new traffic signalling system easier for road users to navigate, the City will erect informational signage in the next few weeks. There will also be a change to the signal phasing and time allocation for the protected right-turning movements at Oswald Pirow Street and at Civic Lane intersections with Hertzog Boulevard.