The scheduled closure, set for mid-September 2026, is required to facilitate a comprehensive follow-up sinkhole assessment and structural safety survey following initial preliminary investigations conducted in August 2026.
Engineers and geological specialists determined that a more detailed assessment is necessary to evaluate the subterranean stability of the affected road corridor and prevent potential safety hazards for transit users. To accommodate the specialized equipment and technical teams conducting the survey, the N12 section will be closed to all vehicular traffic over the weekend of Saturday, 12 September 2026, and Sunday, 13 September 2026. The operational hours for the closure will run daily from 06:00 to 17:00, with normal traffic flow expected to resume outside of these active work windows once safety condition checks are cleared.
To maintain regional traffic mobility between Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, and surrounding economic hubs, local traffic law enforcement and road authorities have established alternative detour routes:
| Route Option | Direction of Travel | Specific Detour Instructions |
| Primary Detour | Both Directions (N12 Traffic) | Divert via Vermaasdrif Road $\rightarrow$ Buffelsdoorn Road $\rightarrow$ Dr Martin Khunou Avenue to re-enter the N12. |
| Alternative Detour | Klerksdorp to Potchefstroom | Connect directly via Dr Martin Khunou Avenue starting at the Matlosana Mall (Engen Garage) intersection. |
Road maintenance authorities and traffic safety officials strongly urge all commuters, long-distance haulers, and local motorists to plan their trips in advance, account for expected transit delays, and strictly comply with posted detour signage and instructions from point-duty traffic officers stationed along the alternative routes.
The City of Matlosana and its provincial and national transport partners will continue monitoring the site throughout the two-day geotechnical evaluation. Further public announcements regarding the structural integrity of the highway section will follow the analysis of the collected survey data.
#MatlosanaMunicipality #N12Closure #RoadSafety
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