The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has madeprogress in detecting and rehabilitating sinkholes across the provincial network, with several major interventions completed between the year 2023 and 2026.
These were achieved through coherent responses and
better resource mobilisation to restore road infrastructure and improve safety.
GDRT has since completed investigations and finalised the designs for sinkhole rehabilitation along R563 in Mogale City. The Department is currently engaged in the process of appointing a contractor to commence repairs before end of the calendar year.
Following preliminary assessments along the affected section of the R500 in the West Rand, geotechnical investigations are underway and designs for rehabilitation are being prepared.
The Department has also completed rehabilitation designs for the Snake Road (R23) sinkhole in the City of Ekurhuleni and is awaiting funding before appointment of a contractor and resumption of works.
GDRT has developed a Standardised Sinkhole Response Protocol to strengthen its response, guide rapid and effective management of sinkholes and related issues.
The protocol responds to various challenges posed by the province’s dolomitic geology and ageing infrastructure, which have contributed to sinkhole development affecting the provincial road network.
It further provides for risk assessment, geotechnical investigations, ground stabilisation, permanent road rehabilitation and traffic management, with the aim of protecting public infrastructure, safeguarding road users and minimising traffic disruptions.
In recent years, the Department has implemented rehabilitation interventions at several affected locations across the provincial network.
In 2026, the Department undertook a successful sinkhole rehabilitation programme along the M5 (D374) in the Cradle of Humankind, Mogale City.
In the same year, two sinkholes along the P122 Road in Doornkloof, City Tshwane, were successfully rehabilitated, the first in April and the second in August 2026.
Rehabilitation works along the Hendrik Potgieter Road in Roodepoort, Mogale City, were also completed in June 2026.
Meanwhile, a sinkhole rehabilitation intervention on the Delmas Road (R50), which links the cities of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, was also successfully completed in 2023.
These interventions have enabled the GDRT to leverage its accumulated operational experience to address sinkhole-related risks, restore the integrity of affected sections, and maintain the functionality of the province’s road network.
The Department will continue to monitor the situation, undertake detailed geotechnical and appropriate engineering assessments to inform rehabilitation efforts. This to ensure proper management of sinkhole risks and protection of critical road infrastructure.
Traffic accommodation measures remain in place along the designated detour routes at both sites.
The Department has ensured that traffic accommodation measures are in place to ensure safety whilst monitoring and investigations are ongoing until rehabilitation.
GDRT further urges road users to exercise caution when approaching and travelling near areas affected by sinkholes or where rehabilitation work is under way.
SUPPLIED.
