Gauteng Roads seek funding to repair sinkholes on R500 and R563
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is seeking additional provincial funding for repairs and geotechnical investigations as sinkholes continue to affect two roads.
The department is seeking additional funding from the provincial Treasury to rehabilitate sinkholes affecting the R500 and R563 roads.
The funding will also cover technical and geotechnical investigations to determine the most appropriate repair methods.
The department stated that preliminary assessments found that more than 80% of the road surface had caved in along the affected section of the R500, making it extremely unsafe for motorists.
“This led to the closure of sections of the road as a precautionary measure,” a statement by the department read.
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Assessments are continuing to establish the full extent of the damage before suitable remedial measures are determined.
Additional warning signs have been erected to alert motorists approaching the affected areas and encourage them to exercise caution.
Meanwhile, the department said discussions on appointing a contractor to repair the sinkhole along the R563 were in their final stages, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Traffic accommodation remains in place along designated detour routes at both sites.
The department has urged motorists to obey road signs, reduce their speed when approaching the affected areas and exercise caution when using the alternative routes.
