The Department of Public Works and Roads has appointed a contractor to undertake short-term emergency repair works valued at approximately R11.9 million on Road P53/1 between Pilanesberg International Airport and Mogwase in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West.
The road was temporarily closed following the collapse of a culvert, which posed serious safety risks to motorists earlier in May.
The department said it has been conducting extensive technical investigations to assess the extent of the damage and determine the most suitable engineering solution to restore the road safely.
“Investigations conducted by engineers revealed that the collapse was caused by ageing corrugated steel Armco culverts, combined with water ingress into the layer works beneath the road surface.
“The situation was further exacerbated by unseasonably heavy rainfall in April and May 2026, which compromised the structural integrity of the culvert and the surrounding road embankment,” said the department’s Acting Head of Communications, Bayanda Zendile.
The department further clarified that, while routine monitoring of road infrastructure is continuously undertaken, the full extent of the structural damage to the culvert was not immediately apparent prior to the collapse.
“Following the assessments, engineers recommended the construction of a load-bearing slab above the damaged culvert, together with the rebuilding of the affected layer works as a short-term emergency intervention.
“This solution is intended to ensure that traffic loads are no longer transferred directly onto the weakened culvert structure,” she explained.
Zendile added that a long-term intervention involving the replacement of the ageing corrugated steel culverts will still be required to ensure the continued safety and sustainability of the road infrastructure.
The contractor is expected to commence work on site next week, with repairs anticipated to take between four and six weeks to complete.
Meanwhile, departmental spokesperson Elizabeth Mokua said the department acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the road closure.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by this structural damage, particularly the increased travelling distances, additional fuel costs and delays experienced by road users who are now compelled to use alternative routes via the R556 and R510 roads.
“The department understands the frustrations experienced and wishes to assure the public that the matter is being treated as a priority.
“As such, the department, together with the local municipality, is assessing alternative bypass solutions to ease the burden on commuters,” said Mokua.
