Sinkhole repairs begin at long-closed Hubert Mathew Road

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25-06-2025
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Bedfordview and Edenvale News
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The damage was caused by a failed stormwater junction box beneath the surface, and residents hope the issue will be resolved by the end of July.

Ground was broken on June 10 as the City of Ekurhuleni began long-awaited repairs at the intersection of Laurie and Hubert Mathew roads.

The sinkhole, which formed more than two years ago, led to the full closure of Hubert Mathew Road.

Concrete barriers were installed to ensure motorists’ safety and to preserve what remained of the damaged intersection.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini previously explained that the road was closed to prevent community members from putting themselves at risk and to halt the potential growth of the sinkhole.

The site has long been an eyesore and a safety concern for residents and Ward 18 councillor Ald Heather Hart. However, with repairs now underway, residents are hopeful the issue will finally be resolved.

According to Hart, the subsidence at the intersection was reportedly caused by a damaged stormwater junction box located beneath the road surface.

After inspecting the site in 2024, the city confirmed that the structure had suffered a failure below ground.

Dlamini said the failure may have been caused by one or more factors, including the age and deterioration of the infrastructure, soil movement, rainfall, corrosion, poor installation, tree roots, or nearby construction.

“It appears that the walls of the stormwater junction box, as well as its cover slab, had either collapsed or partially collapsed, which led to the subsidence,” Hart explained.

She added that this could only be confirmed after the site was excavated using heavy machinery. Engineers have since taken photographs of the damage and are currently assessing the best way forward.

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The city initially estimated that repairs would take five weeks, but due to the extent of the damage uncovered during excavation, Hart said the timeline could be extended until the end of July.

She also warned that Laurie Road may need to be closed and traffic re-routed to allow work to continue safely.

“The sinkhole has been a major concern for me and for local residents,” Hart said.

“To finally see repairs underway is extremely gratifying, especially considering how long this issue has persisted, particularly when compared to other pressing concerns in the area, such as the condition of the First Avenue Bridge.”