The Mogale City Local Municipality has warned motorists to avoid Windsor Road after a section of the right-hand lane from Randfontein towards Roodepoort, just before the Payloads and former Bosasa intersection, collapsed on Sunday.

The road has been cordoned off at certain points to deter motorists from using it. Sections have been left open as workers need access to the businesses on this road. Although certain parts of the road are only partially cordoned off, the public is reminded that the road is potentially dangerous to use.

Andre Botes, Mogale City Public Works, Roads and Transport Manager, explained that, “The main cause of the road collapse is illegal mining activities in the area as several shallow underground tunnels have been dug under the road.

The Krugersdorp News was at the site on Tuesday at 16:00 and noted three distinct openings in the crater, exposing the tunnels below, and what seem like makeshift wood reinforcements.

“This very busy road carries vehicles of all sizes, including trucks that cause vibrations when driving above these tunnels, slowly causing the tunnel walls that had not been properly reinforced to collapse.

“Rainwater also seeps through the cracks in the road surface, and enters the layers and foundation of the road, which cause the road to deteriorate. This is not the only underground tunnel in the area – there are several of them; however, this was the first one to collapse,” says Botes.

When the News was at the site, various vehicles – other than those accessing businesses – were driving past the barriers and through the area. In addition, one of the barriers meant to close off a slipway linking the R28 Paardekraal Drive and Windsor Road, had been moved to the side and vehicles were using it.

Motorists are again asked to avoid the road and use alternative routes such as Albertina Sisulu or Voortrekker roads.