Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is expediting repairs to a sinkhole that has developed on Republic Road.

The JRA has conducted a site investigation and discovered that there is a storm water pipe that runs adjacent to the collapsed road as well as a damaged junction box with a collapsed base.

While the cause of the collapse has yet to be confirmed the agency says it has learnt that there was water flowing outside the storm water pipe, which smelled like sewerage and could have been the cause of the junction box base collapse.

“The matter is receiving urgent attention from JRA. A contractor has been appointed and the project is expected to be completed in January 2018,”says Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Cllr. Nonhlanhla Makhuba.

Safety first

The sinkhole is on the right hand side of a dual carriageway of Republic Road, just before Rabie Street, adjacent to the Engen garage.

“Currently the affected lanes of the Republic Road are closed, as the roadway collapse occurred right in the middle of the both lanes. Traffic is therefore currently being re-directed and the sinkhole has been barricaded to make the area safe. It is estimated that repairs to the sinkhole will cost R3.2 million excluding VAT, Makhuba added.

The agency has urged motorists to obey road signs, traffic signals and road closures due to avoid flooded bridges and unsafe driving conditions.

“In the event of a flash flood, or where residents are at risk, it is advisable to immediately evacuate the area and seek a place of safety, the JRA says.

“Residents and road users are encouraged to report all roads and storm related emergencies,” it concludes.