The timeline for the repair of the sinkhole on the R40 near Klipkopjes Dam has changed, as the contractor has diverted resources to complete work on the Da Gama Bridge.

A temporary bypass has been created to ensure continuous traffic flow at the site, but work has once again come to a grinding. Sanral spokesperson, Lwando Mahlasela, said the finalisation of the bridge repairs was deemed urgent and forms part of the overall sinkhole project.

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“Work on the second R40 sinkhole near the Green Farms Nut Company is scheduled to start on November 1,” he said. “A site assessment has been completed and repair designs finalised. A contractor has already been appointed as part of a three-month mobilisation period before work begins.”

The estimated cost for the entire project is R13.6m. The delay in starting repairs was due to strict procurement processes and budget allocations that Sanral first had to finalise.

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Mahlasela said the stretch of road surrounding the second sinkhole will continue to operate on a stop-and-go basis until repairs are completed. He appealed to all motorists to drive with caution when they approach the area.

The sinkhole near Klipkopjes Dam was caused by widespread floods in February 2023. Sanral added another stop-and-go on the R40 near Green Farms Nut Company on February 21, after a second sinkhole appeared due to the floods. The stop-and-go on the Da Gama Bridge was put in place in April as the handrails are being replaced with a dual guardrail system.

Completion dates for repairs of both sinkholes will be shared with the public as soon as a timeline has been established.