N1 closed due to sinkhole, geotechnical specialists called in [update]

Bad news if you love the N1 along Centurion in Gauteng. As The South African reported on Monday, road traffic authorities urgently closed the highway after a dangerous sinkhole was found last weekend.

N1 IN GAUTENG CLOSED AFTER SINKHOLE FINDING

According to the report, the road hazard near the R21. “Massive sinkhole N1 south just past the R21 #Centurion #Pretoria very dangerous tar busy cracking,” First Help said.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) made a quick safety call to close the road area.

The agency confirmed that the affected is the left lane on the N1 South just before Botha Avenue in Centurion, this is after a sinkhole emerged last weekend.

So what is the actual cause? Sanral has revealed that the sinkhole that has formed in the N1 in Gauteng came as a result of heavy rains.

GEOTECHNICAL SPECIALISTS CALLED IN

So what action is being taken to solve the issue? Sanral has confirmed that a team of engineers and road workers have moved to the scene.

An assessment will be made before a solution will be executed to repair the damaged N1 in Gauteng.

“We have also called in the expertise of geotechnical specialists to assist with the assessment,” said Progress Hlahla, Sanral northern region manager via TimesLIVE.

HORROR CRASH ON N2 IN EASTERN CAPE

In other Mzansi roads news, a severe N2 crash has pushed traffic authorities to the limit in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, after two taxis smashed into each other head-on. At least nine people are thought to have perished in the collision – including a married couple and two young children.

Although the cause of this crash is yet to be established, we do know that one of the taxis was fully loaded, and heading towards Gqeberha. There has also been a number of non-fatal casualties, and those requiring medical treatment have been rushed to a nearby hospital. Read the full story here.