UPDATE: Work begins on John Ross sinkhole in KZN

Excavation has begun at the sinkhole on the John Ross Parkway (R34) to determine how serious the blockage is on the pipe that runs beneath the road, Zululand Observer reports.

Officials from KZN Department of Transport (DoT) met this morning with city engineers to plan a way going forward in terms of reconstruction.

Yesterday afternoon traffic was brought to a standstill as the gaping hole left motorists stuck for hours on the parkway, heading towards Richards Bay (before the Mondi traffic lights).

KZN DoT Deputy Director General, Simphiwe Nkosi, spoke to the ZO from the scene this morning.

The view of the collapsed road from edge of the stream below – PHOTO: Orrin Singh

‘Firstly we need to know how serious the blockage is before we can take the decision to open the opposite lane , heading towards Empangeni.

‘Hydraulic calculations need to be done to determine how much water is coming up from the stream.

‘Only then can we call in our technical engineers to begin the reconstruction process,’ said Nkosi.

Nkosi further added that is too early to say how long the reconstruction process will take.

Engineers are said to be able to determine by this afternoon as to whether the opposite lane can be opened for use by the public.

READ MORE: WATCH: Mayhem as giant sinkhole nearly swallows KZN couple

In February this year it was reported on an edge of the carriageway between Woodchip Glade and Foskor which collapsed; Nothing was done by July to fix the problem, despite DoT being made aware of the issue.

KZN DoT officials together with city engineers began planning the way forward this morning – PHOTO: Orrin Singh

Road Closure

Meanwhile many motorists have been left frustrated as the only alternative route to and from Richards Bay, via the N2 and R619, has been highly congested since last night.

Motorist have been forced to use this route until the John Ross, Alton traffic lights to B10 (eSikhawini traffic lights) can be reopened.

Traffic was further affected on the R619 last night when an accident involving several vehicles took place at the Brackenham traffic lights.

uMhalthuze Traffic officials together with uMhalthuze Fire and Rescue are on duty at major intersections to alleviate congestion – which remains a major concern heading into the coming working week.

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WATCH: Mayhem as giant sinkhole nearly swallows KZN couple