Sinkhole repairs completed on key roads across Gauteng

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has made progress in identifying and rehabilitating sinkholes across the provincial road network, with several projects completed between 2023 and 2026.

In 2026, the department completed a sinkhole rehabilitation programme along the M5 (D374) in the Cradle of Humankind, Mogale City.

It also repaired two sinkholes along the P122 in Doornkloof, City of Tshwane. The first project was completed in April, followed by the second in August.

Work to rehabilitate a sinkhole along Hendrik Potgieter Road in Roodepoort was completed in June.

Earlier, in 2023, the department completed rehabilitation work on a sinkhole along Delmas Road (R50), which connects Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

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Further projects are planned for other affected roads across the province.

On the R563 in Oaktree, Mogale City, the department has completed investigations and finalised rehabilitation designs. It is in the process of appointing a contractor, with repairs expected to begin before the end of 2026.

Geotechnical investigations are underway along the R500 in the West Rand following preliminary assessments of the affected section. Rehabilitation designs are also being prepared.

The department has also completed rehabilitation designs for the sinkhole on Snake Road (R23) in Ekurhuleni, but is awaiting funding before appointing a contractor and resuming work.

To strengthen its response to sinkholes, the GDRT has developed a Standardised Sinkhole Response Protocol to guide the rapid and effective management of sinkholes and related risks.

According to the department, the protocol addresses challenges associated with Gauteng’s dolomitic geology and ageing infrastructure, which have contributed to sinkhole development across the provincial road network.

It provides guidelines for risk assessments, geotechnical investigations, ground stabilisation, permanent road rehabilitation and traffic management.

“The aim is to protect public infrastructure, safeguard road users and minimise traffic disruptions,” the department said.

The GDRT said it would continue monitoring sinkhole risks and conducting detailed geotechnical investigations and engineering assessments to guide rehabilitation work.