Jozi streets closed for ‘Avengers’ shoot

Major traffic disruptions are expected in the Johannesburg CBD for the next two weeks as Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron begins filming in the city.

After today’s filming was cancelled, from tomorrow until Friday, Albertina Sisulu Road will be closed from 7am to 7pm between Harrison and Rissik streets, the Star reports, while Channel24 reports that other streets impacted from 14 to 23 February would include President Street between Rissik and Eloff Street.

Parts of Commissioner, Sauer and Albertina Sisulu streets would also be closed, while Kingsley Sithole Road and Basil Zuma street in Orlando East would be closed on Thursday.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has warned people to expect delays going to and from work, and spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar has requested that the public "exercise patience and use alternative roads" while filming takes place.

He added that while residents and office workers would be allowed access to affected areas, they could still expect delays.

"Other secondary roads will also be affected, so motorists should avoid the CBD if they can. The movie producers’ own security and JMPD members will be on hand to direct traffic," Minaar was quoted by the Star as saying.

The scenes being shot in Johannesburg are action photography sequences and will not include main Avengers cast members such as Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr or Chris Hemsworth.

Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau said the city was excited about hosting the movie: "It strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a worldwide film production centre with first-class facilities and production support.

"The film will also generate many jobs for South African crew members who will be employed by the production.

"Additional jobs will include over 1000 extra man-days throughout the two-week shooting schedule," he said.