Reinstatement work at the intersection of Pretoria Avenue and Katherine Street in Sandown is advancing, with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) projecting completion by October 30, barring weather delays.

The project follows Joburg Water’s major pipeline repair in the area earlier this year.

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Khayalethu Gqibitole, the head of department for regional operations at JRA, said that it was important to clarify that this was not a road collapse

“Joburg Water required access to underground infrastructure for urgent repairs, and JRA is now reinstating the road to standard.”

He added that to stabilise the affected ground, engineers constructed a rock fill pioneer layer that also acted as a drainage system.

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“This layer stabilises the subgrade and drains groundwater. It’s protected by a geotextile membrane that traps fine particles and contaminants, which means the system will not require maintenance during its design lifespan.”

He elaborated that the area’s subgrade was previously weak due to high groundwater levels. The new engineering design ensures that the road structure will perform optimally under Sandown’s soil and traffic conditions.

While construction continues, Pretoria Avenue between Rivonia Road and Katherine Street remains closed. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, and pedestrians have been urged to stay clear of the fenced-off area for safety reasons.

The reinstatement is being fully funded by Joburg Water, with both entities jointly monitoring progress and costs to ensure efficiency and quality.

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