Department commences with R55 sinkhole remedial repairs
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has commenced with remedial works on the R55 (Quagga Road), in Laudium-Tshwane.
This after a sinkhole developed on the busy route earlier in the year leading to sections of the road between Second and Third Avenue being closed to traffic.
The Department investigated remedial repair methodologies to expedite repairs to the road and following a detailed dolomitic stability survey conducted by geotechnical experts, the estimated cost for the repairs is R12.1 million.
The results of the seismic survey and drilling programme together with proposals for rectification were submitted to the Council for GeoSciences (CGS) for approval. CGS is mandated to develop and publish world-class geoscience knowledge products and render geoscience-related services.
A Departmental team of experts has been monitoring the area around the sinkhole for the past ten weeks, and no further settlement or movement was recorded during this time. The team has commenced to pour concrete into the throat of the sinkhole, an exercise meant to throttle the sinkhole so that no further collapse can occur, particularly during rainy seasons.
“With the throat throttled, the process will commence to stabilise the area through dynamic compaction to collapse whatever unstable ground there is within the immediate surrounds. Suitable fill material will then be imported and compacted until the area is totally stabilised and returned to ground level.”
“Upon completion, holes will be drilled so cement grout may be pumped under pressure into the rock formation to fill whatever voids may remain. Construction to the affected section of the road will then start to return it to its previous state. Total construction is expected to last approximately four months,” the department’s spokesperson Melitah Madiba explained.
The Department is appealing to motorists to make use of alternative routes during this time and thanks motorists and other affected stakeholders for their patience and understanding.
Enquiries:
Melitah Madiba
Cell: 073 644 9935
E-mail: PressOffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
