UPDATE: No quick-fix for N2 sinkhole repairs
Repair work should be completed by the end of October.
While reconstruction of the road surface is on track, there is no quick-fix to the large sinkhole on the N2 south.
That’s the word from South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral).
The sinkhole was caused during the heavy rains in July when the road surface just before the Adams Road off-ramp collapsed. Although repair work commenced thereafter, rehabilitation of the road is a long and involved process, according to the roads agency.
Project manager at Sanral eastern region, Mohamed Parak said the sinkhole formed above a culvert that crosses the N2.
The outlet of the culvert had under-scoured, which caused the outlet barrel of the culvert to settle. This caused the internal joint between the barrel sections to open through which the road fill washed through, resulting in the sinkhole in the slow lane.
He said the first phase of the road stabilisation was completed on 19 August to ensure the sinkhole did not progress any further, thereby staving off any compromising of the remaining fast lane.
“The repair solution involves demolishing the under-scoured barrel section and replacing it. The founding conditions will need to be improved and strengthened before constructing the new barrel to prevent a repeat of the settlement.
Further excavation below road level will be needed and the second phase of the road stabilisation is to commence by 11 September.
This will be followed by demolition of the concrete barrel, ground improvement, construction of the new barrel and backfilling the sinkhole.”
Mohamed said if everything goes according to plan, the repair work should be completed by the end of October.
Motorists are urged to proceed with caution and adhere to speed limits while construction work is in progress. The patience and co-operation of motorists will be appreciated.
Sanral apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during road construction.
VIDEO:
Probably the worst video in the history of videos, but at least it shows there IS work in progress on the N2 Amanzimtoti sinkhole. Video taken this morning Monday 12 September 2016 #forthosewhodontbelieveit
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