Second sinkhole pushes M57 Boeing Road completion further back

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25-02-2026
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Pretoria Rekord
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Delays on the M57 Boeing Road upgrade have sparked renewed frustration among residents as a second sinkhole threatens to prolong construction and worsen traffic congestion along Delmas Road.

Pretoria east residents are once again raising concerns over delays to the long-running upgrade of the M57 Boeing Road, following the formation of a second sinkhole near the St George’s Hotel area.

The completion date for the project has now been pushed to July 31.

The road has been under construction since July 27, 2023, as part of a revamp and widening project by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.

However, progress has been slower than expected, with many motorists now questioning the pace of work and its knock-on effect on surrounding routes such as Delmas Road.

Daily commuters say the ongoing construction has significantly worsened peak-hour traffic in the area, with congestion often stretching into neighbouring suburbs.

Ward 47 councillor Lida Erasmus confirmed that a second sinkhole has developed about a hundred metres from the initial sinkhole, resulting in additional delays while testing is conducted in the affected area.

“The section between Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Nellmapius Road is expected to be completed by February 28, following a recent project steering committee meeting with relevant role-players, after which it will be handed over to the Gauteng roads authority,” she said.

She added that traffic flow has improved at the intersection of Nellmapius and the M57 due to the addition of a new lane, signal adjustments and updated road markings.

However, some residents have also voiced frustration over persistent malfunctions at the traffic lights at the intersection, which they believe are further contributing to traffic build-up.

According to Erasmus, design challenges remain due to infrastructure requirements from Rand Water relating to a pipeline in the area.

“Engineering designs for the intersection are currently with Rand Water for approval,” said Erasmus.

Erasmus noted that the repairs on Boeing and Ebenhaezer intersection had been delayed due to large amounts of groundwater that had affected the stability of foundation layers during reconstruction.

She explained that the Boeing and Piering intersection is expected to be the next phase of the project, once final planning dates are confirmed by the contractor.

Erasmus added that stormwater issues in the Rietvalleipark area have also been reported.

“The area adjacent to the road is set to undergo grading, with new landfill and chambers to be installed, as well as the construction of berms to assist with stormwater management closer to project completion,” she said.

According to Roads and Transport MEC spokesperson Lesiba Mpya, the sinkhole in the vicinity of St George’s Hotel has caused a five-month delay to the project.

This includes time needed for geotechnical investigations and repairs to the affected section of the road.

Mpya said that while the section between Alandale Street and Solomon Mahlangu Road is expected to be completed by the end of February, the completion date for the entire project has now been pushed to July 31.

“The upgraded road is expected to ease congestion once completed, with widened lanes and improved intersections anticipated to improve traffic flow,” said Mpya.

He added that a climbing lane has also been added south of Nellmapius Road to assist heavy vehicles.

According to Mpya, there are also plans in place to install new traffic lights at the Halifax and Jochem intersection, while sleeves have been installed at other intersections to allow for future signals if needed.

“New streetlighting will also be introduced along the route from Solomon Mahlangu Road to the R21 bridge,” he said.

Despite these assurances, residents remain concerned that continued delays will further impact mobility in the area, particularly as sinkhole-related setbacks continue to affect the pace of construction.