Gauteng seeks funding to fix R500 and R563 sinkholes

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is seeking additional funding from the provincial Treasury to repair sinkholes affecting the R500 and R563 roads.

The funding will also cover technical and geotechnical investigations to establish the extent of the damage and determine the most appropriate rehabilitation measures.

The department warned that sections of the R500 had become extremely unsafe after significant portions of the road surface collapsed.

“Preliminary assessments indicated that over 80% of the road surface had caved in along the section of the R500, making it extremely unsafe. This led to the closure of sections of the road as a precautionary measure,” the department said.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with the findings expected to inform decisions on the repairs required.

R563 sinkhole repairs await contractor appointment

Meanwhile, the department said it was in the final stages of discussions regarding the appointment of a contractor to repair the sinkhole along the R563.

A decision on the appointment is expected in the coming weeks.

Additional warning signs have been erected near the affected areas to alert motorists to the hazards and encourage them to approach with caution.

Traffic accommodation measures remain in place along designated detour routes at both sites while the department works towards rehabilitation.

The department has not provided a final timeline for completing repairs to either road.

Motorists urged to use detours with caution

Motorists travelling near the affected sections of the R500 and R563 have been urged to follow all road signs and use the designated detours.

The department has also advised drivers to reduce their speed when approaching affected areas and exercise caution along alternative routes.

The funding request comes as the department continues its assessments and works towards determining the necessary interventions to restore the affected roads safely.

Until repairs can proceed, motorists should plan their journeys accordingly and allow additional travel time when using the designated detours.

Any other sinkholes on other Gauteng roads that need repairing?