The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has closed Snake Road, between Pioneer and Golden drives due to the formation of a sinkhole toward the N12.

According to a statement released by the department on January 8, a contractor was appointed to conduct investigations and the methodology for repairs.

“Repair work is already expected to have commenced and should be completed by June,” read the statement.

The department warned motorists of delays and further informed that southbound lanes have been converted into north-south lanes to facilitate movement from both directions, easing congestion and ensuring the flow of traffic.

The Benoni City Times visited the site upon receiving reports of the formation of a suspected sinkhole, in July last year.

Golden Drive and the surrounding areas are notorious for illegal mining hotspots. Beneath the then 1m wide sinkhole, a tunnel and hessian bags filled with sand could be seen under the tarred surface.

“Our fears have been confirmed. Illegal mining is causing extensive damage to the city’s infrastructure, which may soon lead to the total collapse of Snake Road. This is another Rondebult Road disaster waiting to happen,” said Anton Koen of NoJack Vehicle Tracking at the time.

This is, however, not the first time that extensive sinkhole repairs had to be conducted on Snake Road.

The road was closed in 2019 and reopened in October 2020.

In November 2021, the road was again closed, from Pioneer Drive to Golden Drive, following the development of another sinkhole, measuring 15m wide and 15m deep.

A broken stormwater concrete pipe was allegedly at the root of the issue.

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