WATCH: Pretoria Road erosion, an expanding death trap

Motorists travelling on Pretoria Road, in a northerly direction are urged to reduce their speed, remain vigilant and to be on the look-out for damaging potholes.

12 hours ago

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Accident scene with the focus being water filled potholes — Four vehicles were involved in a collision, on July 25. Photo: Benoni CPF Sector 4

For years, residents of Crystal Park and Fairleads have raised alarm about the deteriorating road surface along Pretoria Road, with the calls seemingly falling on deaf ears.

Anger mounted in May, last year, when the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) undertook an R8.2m road rehabilitation project, focussed on 3.2km of Pretoria Road, from Eleventh Avenue in Northmead to Robinson Street in Rynfield; plans for road maintenance from Vlei Road, Rynfield are yet to come to fruition.

Eroding road conditions at the corner of Pretoria and Orchards roads are now being blamed for two vehicle collisions on July 25 and 31, amplifying calls for urgent intervention.

According to Benoni CPF Sector 4 chairperson, Paul Rayley, a suspected water leak has led to 20m of the left-hand road surface becoming riddled with deep water-logged potholes, forcing motorists to veer into oncoming traffic in an effort to avoid damage.

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The corner of Pretoria and Orchards roads — deathtrap for motorists. #Benoni CPF Sector 4 chairperson, Paul Rayley raises alarm about deteriorating road surfaces putting lives in danger.
♬ original sound – Benoni City Times – Benoni City Times

In the interim, a cautionary board, indicating closure of the left-hand lane, forcing motorists to use the right-hand lane, was erected just before the damaged road surface.

Man wearing a reflective jacket standing at a pothole — Benoni CPF Sector 4 chairperson, Paul Rayley says the development of deep and damaging potholes, are placing motorists’ lives in danger. Photo: Jani de Beer

It is unclear who is responsible for the placement of the board.

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Hannes Scheepers, #Benoni CPF Sector 4 member and former firefighter gives details of collisions that have occurred on the 20m stretch of road since July 25 to 31.
♬ original sound – Benoni City Times – Benoni City Times

Clad in their official CPF reflective jackets, Sector 4 members were seen directing traffic at the intersection, on August 1, urging motorists onto the shoulder of the road, thus avoiding steering into oncoming traffic.

“We are looking for alternative signage to warn motorists of the danger, our resources are however limited,” said Rayley.

Accident scene with a vehicle on its roof — On July 31, just after 22:00, a bakkie rolled on the same stretch of road. No injuries were reported. Photo: Benoni CPF Sector 4

“We cannot ignore the situation. We need to intervene and come up with a safe alternative, until such time that the metro conducts the necessary repairs.”

Responding to concerns raised by Rayley and his team, CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini said that the situation will receive serious attention.

“Giving the amount of collisions that have been reported along this stretch of road, in the past week and the evidence that suggests that the deteriorating road surface may be to blame,” he said.

“Although we rely on a pavement management system to identify roads that need to be prioritised, given the evidence I believe there is enough merit for urgent prioritisation.”

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