AAD2012 puts plans in place to manage traffic around the show

A multi-pronged approach to traffic management is in place to keep congestion to a minimum

With the City of Tshwane preparing to host the globally recognised Africa Aerospace and Defence 2012 (AAD2012) exhibition from 19 - 23 September 2012 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, the organisers are working closely with Tshwane City Metro Police, Emergency Services, the SAPS, fire and rescue services and Disaster Management to manage the traffic going to and leaving from the event.

The City, the Metro Police and the organisers are calling on members of the public who will attend the event to cooperate with their comprehensive plans that have been put in place ensure a smooth traffic flow.

“We have planned for every traffic eventuality, but we still expect congestion because of the tremendous volumes of people we are expecting at the air show,” says Vhongani Shumba, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for AAD2012. “We appeal to members of the public to take note of all the measures we have taken, to plan carefully ahead of the day, and to be patient on their journey to and from the show.”

AAD2012 will be host up to 20 000 trade visitors from 19 to 21 September 2012, but these numbers are expected to multiply on the two public days (22 to 23 September), which will see local and international aircraft being piloted in an exciting air show, while static exhibitions from around the world are on display at the base.  

“There is already signage on the gates of Air Force Base Waterkloof, and we urge members of the public to find out more about the best route for them to use to get to the show, and which gates they should use to enter the Base,” says Shumba. “Visitors can also learn more about the logistics of each day’s events by visiting the AAD2012 website, www.aadexpo.co.za.

“We also appeal to members of the public who plan on attending the show to purchase their tickets at Computicket before the show at prices: R40 for adults and R30 for pensioners and children younger than 12 says Shumba. “. This will alleviate congestion at the entrance gates on the day, and will help ensure a pleasant and stress-free experience at the show.”

Free secure parking will be available on the Base’s grounds, and can be accessed from the Contractor’s Gate, and from Gates 5A, 5B, 6, 7 and 8, all off Van Ryneveld Road. Only residents of the area, pedestrians, park and ride busses, Gautrain shuttles will be allowed access to Solomon Mahlangu (Hans Strijdom) Road, which will be closed from 04h00 to 19h00 on both days. Traffic officials will patrol the area frequently as well.

Park and ride facilities will be available at Air Force Base Swartkop, AF MDW, and 68 Air School on the two public days. In addition, Gautrain shuttle buses will run from Centurion Station, and more information about scheduling can be found on the Gautrain’s website, www.gautrain.co.za.

Directions to the Airshow:

From OR Tambo International Airport:

From OR Tambo International Airport heading towards Pretoria, take exit 12 for M31/ Nellmapius Drive toward Centurion. Turn left onto Nellmapius Dr/M31. Turn right onto Van Ryneveld Ave/M28.

From Midrand (N1)

From the N1 toward Pretoria, take exit 124 to merge onto Danie Joubert Freeway/N1 toward Pretoria East/Polokwane. Take exit 130 for M18 toward Centurion/Bothalaan. Turn left onto Botha Ave/M18. Take the third left onto Amkor Rd, turn right onto Topaz Ave. Follow the road to the right to stay on Topaz Ave. Turn right onto River Rd/M27. Turn right onto Kruger Ave/M27. Continue to follow M27. Turn left onto Van Ryneveld Ave/M28.

From Pretoria Central

From the R21, take exit 7 for M10/Hans Strijdom Dr toward Pretoria/R50/Delmas. Turn left onto Hans Strijdom Dr/M10. Take the first right onto Van Ryneveld Ave/M28.

Other measures include:

-      Publishing a map with clear directions to parking areas in and around Air Force Base Waterkloof on the AAD2012 website and other media in the weeks prior to the event.
-      Several road closures (indicated on the published map) will aid with traffic flow.
-      Engaging with traffic reporters at several Gauteng radio stations, in order to promote the various alternatives.
-      The installation directional signage to indicate parking areas at the base, and to highlight park and ride facilities.
-      Gates will be open from 06h00 every day.

For more information about AAD2012, please visit www.aadexpo.co.za or contact our call centre 012 672 3536 / 3110