Temporary N12 Closure Scheduled as Matlosana Inspects Local Sinkhole Threat
A key stretch of the N12 national highway in the City of Matlosana Municipality is set to undergo a temporary shutdown to allow technical teams to evaluate subsurface geological risks. The operational closure, scheduled for Saturday, 15 August, and Sunday, 16 August 2026, will run daily from 06:00 to 17:00. The proactive measure follows the recent discovery of sinkholes along the roadway, prompting immediate multi-agency intervention to safeguard public safety and assess the structural integrity of the national transit corridor.
The targeted survey and geotechnical examination will be conducted by the AGES Group in direct partnership with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). The City of Matlosana’s Department of Public Safety and the North West Provincial Department of Public Safety are collaborating with national infrastructure agencies to manage the closure and oversee the required gravimetric investigations.
Key Details and Operational Schedule
The localized shutdown aims to grant engineers uninterrupted access to the affected zones without exposing the commuting public to potential hazards.
Operational Detail
Specifics
Affected Route
N12 Highway (Specific section near Klerksdorp/Potchefstroom link)
Closure Dates
Saturday, 15 August 2026 – Sunday, 16 August 2026
Active Hours
06:00 to 17:00 daily
Assessing Agencies
AGES Group and SANRAL
Traffic Control
City of Matlosana & North West Provincial Traffic Officials
Alternate Routes and Traffic Rerouting
To manage traffic flow and accommodate local transport needs between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp, municipal traffic authorities have established designated detour routes:
Klerksdorp-Bound Commuters: Vehicles traveling toward Klerksdorp will be diverted onto Vermaasdrif Road. Upon reaching the intersection with Eleazer Road, drivers must turn left onto Buffelsdoorn Road, proceed straight, and turn left onto Dr Martin Khunou Avenue to rejoin the N12.
Potchefstroom-Bound Commuters: Drivers traveling out of Klerksdorp toward Potchefstroom will turn left onto Dr Martin Khunou Avenue at the intersection near the Matlosana Mall (Engen Garage traffic light) to bypass the restricted zone.
Traffic officers will be deployed at key points along the detours to regulate intersections and assist motorists throughout the two-day period.
Official Guidance and Media Contact
Municipal authorities have advised all road users to plan journeys ahead of time, anticipate moderate delays, and strictly follow posted detour signs and directives from traffic officers on duty. While acknowledging the disruption, municipal representatives stressed that the temporary inconvenience is essential to prevent severe structural failures on the national road network.
Further public updates are expected once the geotechnical assessment is complete. For official inquiries regarding the roadworks, the City of Matlosana has released the following contact information:
Corporate Communication Contact:
Contact Person: Ms. Ntswaki Makgetha (Assistant Director: Corporate Communication)
Telephone: 018 487 8311
Email: ntswaki@klerksdorp.org
By addressing the geological concerns early through coordinated inter-governmental testing, local and provincial authorities aim to ensure long-term road security for residents and long-distance commuters relying on the N12 route.
Images: City of Matlosana Municipal Updates
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