Illiondale motorists warned as Karen Road begins collapsing near Aitken Road

Motorists and community members have been urged to drive with caution when travelling along Karen Road.

Between Aitken and Hubert Mathew roads, a section of Karen Road has begun to collapse.

According to Ward 18’s Clr, Ald Heather Hart, Karen Road’s foundation began to collapse in April, leading to deterioration of the road’s surface.

“This all happened over a matter of weeks from when it was first brought to our attention,” said Hart.

Hart further elaborated that when she and an Essentially Edenvale director were travelling through the area looking for water leaks, they had travelled on Karen Road several weeks ago, and the road surface was drivable.

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“When the site was first inspected at the start of May by the Edenvale Roads Department, the issue was initially thought to be groundwater because of the location of the road.

“This whole area is very swampy, and we have a serious groundwater problem in the lower-lying parts of Illiondale.

“It was not an unnatural conclusion to come to,” said Hart.

However, Hart said after assessing the water pipeline infrastructure in the area, it was noted that a water line runs up Aitken Road before crossing diagonally across Karen Road.

She said the water line crosses the road almost exactly where the deterioration has appeared.

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Hart said that, following the discovery of the water line, the matter was referred to the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Although motorists do need to exercise caution when driving on the section of road, Hart said it is still drivable.

When crossing the degraded section of the road, motorists need to bring their vehicles to a near standstill.

“I don’t know where we’re going to get the funding from or how long the repairs would take,” said Hart.

“Who knows what kind of damage will be discovered once the site has been opened.

Because the section of road in need of repairs is located under City Power pylons, Hart said a wayleave will be required before the City of Ekurhuleni can start repair work on the road.

She said that during the repairs, Karen Road will likely be closed, and residents and motorists will have to use alternative routes.

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Hart said it is crucial to find funding for the project.

“This won’t simply be a project that will see the replacement of a pipeline but the reconstruction of an entire section of road.

A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on May 13, with a deadline of May 15 at 13:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.