A section of the N12 between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp will be closed for an estimated period of six to eight months, due to the existence of a sinkhole in that area.  In the interest of road safety, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Ltd (SANRAL) has had to implement temporary precautionary measures by creating a detour.

Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s head of communications, said geotechnical investigations were currently underway to investigate dolomite stability and associated risks in the eastbound lane near Stilfontein.  The westbound lane would remain closed for approximately six to eight months while wet services, electrical and fibre-optics were being rerouted. No repair or rehabilitation of the sinkhole could commence before the rerouting of all services had been completed.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, it is possible that traffic can be accommodated in both directions, with surfaced median crossings and surfaced shoulder widenings within the N12 road reserve.

This median crossing arrangement will be in place by mid-February to early March – provided that conventional construction methods will be adequate, and that no special geotechnical precautionary measures will be required for the eastbound lane in order to mitigate the dolomite stability risk.

“We thank residents and road users for their understanding and we urge you to be patient while this temporary measure is in place.  We can assure you that every effort is being made to fast-track the process in order to re-open the road as soon as possible”, said Mona.

While there was no need for people living on dolomite to panic, it was always necessary to remain vigilant. “Water should not be allowed to pond for long periods, leaking pipes should be fixed immediately, groundwater should not be abstracted in an uncontrolled manner and signs of subsidence features should be attended to when identified,” he warned.

Possible time delays as a result of the rerouting of services were beyond the control of SANRAL, but the situation was being closely managed in collaboration with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.