The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has made progress in detecting and rehabilitating sinkholes across the provincial road network between 2023 and 2026.
During this period, the department has carried out rehabilitation work at several affected sites.
In 2026, the department completed a sinkhole rehabilitation programme along the M5 (D374) in the Cradle of Humankind, Mogale City.
It also rehabilitated two sinkholes along the P122 Road in Doornkloof, City of Tshwane, completing the first in April and the second in August 2026.
Rehabilitation work along Hendrik Potgieter Road in Roodepoort, Mogale City, was completed in June 2026.
Earlier, in 2023, the department completed sinkhole rehabilitation work on Delmas Road (R50), which links the cities of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
For upcoming repairs, GDRT has completed investigations and finalised rehabilitation designs for sinkholes along the R563 in Mogale City.
The department is appointing a contractor, with repairs expected to begin before the end of 2026.
On the R500 in the West Rand, geotechnical investigations are underway following preliminary assessments of the affected section, while rehabilitation designs are being prepared.
The department has also completed rehabilitation designs for the sinkhole on Snake Road (R23) in the City of Ekurhuleni. It is awaiting funding to appoint a contractor and resume work.
GDRT said it has developed a Standardised Sinkhole Response Protocol to strengthen its response and guide the rapid and effective management of sinkholes and related issues.
“The protocol responds to various challenges posed by the province’s dolomitic geology and ageing infrastructure, which have contributed to sinkhole development affecting the provincial road network.
“It further provides for risk assessment, geotechnical investigations, ground stabilisation, permanent road rehabilitation and traffic management, with the aim of protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding road users and minimising traffic disruptions,” the department said.
Through these interventions, GDRT has drawn on its operational experience to address sinkhole-related risks, restore affected road sections and keep the provincial road network functioning.
The department said it will continue to monitor sinkhole risks and carry out detailed geotechnical and appropriate engineering assessments to guide rehabilitation efforts.
These efforts aim to ensure that sinkhole risks are properly managed and critical road infrastructure is protected. -SAnews.gov.za
