The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is currently investigating alternative repair methodologies to expedite repairs to the sinkhole on R55 between Second and Third Avenue near Laudium in Tshwane.

Spokesperson for the department, Melitah Madiba, says a service provider will be appointed to undertake repairs after detailed geotechnical investigations have been completed and repair options agreed upon.

She adds that department has also embarked on a process of sourcing the services of an experienced engineering company to carry out detailed geotechnical investigations.

A team of the departmental engineers is monitoring developments around the sinkhole on a 24-hour basis.

“The safety of road users remains a priority for the department. As such, the affected section of the road will remain closed until repairs have been completed,” Madiba notes.

Engineers have reported the road continues to subside while the remainder of the sinkhole is expected to collapse soon. However, there are still no signs indicating the southbound carriageway is at risk at the moment.

Detours are expected to be in effect for the foreseeable future. The department has apologised for the inconvenience.