The plague of the pothole continued

Dodging a pothole is no fun and games. Add the torrential rains we are currently experiencing and it becomes near impossible.

Northsider has reported on multiple cases of road surface deterioration in recent weeks. Van Dalen Road in Ruimsig, Braam Street in Honeydew, and Bailey Street in front of Honeydew Police station are just some of the worst cases in point.

“The majority of the roads mentioned will need to be resurfaced, with budget allocated,” Johannesburg Roads Agency spokeperson Bertha Scheepers said. She confirmed that visual conditions assessments were recently completed and that the agency now has a working list of roads in the area which need to be resurfaced or patched.

The agency has been allocated a budget of R100 million in the 2013/2014 financial year to fix all the roads in Joburg. According to Scheepers, it costs approximately R300 per square meter to fill a pothole.

There are two methods of pothole patching used, depending on the severity of the pothole, and the urgency to have it fixed.

“Cold asphalt (tar) [aggregate] is an interim solution just to secure the area for road users. And a permanent patch is made with a hot asphalt mix, which lasts longer.”

However, the price of having a 100m² stretch of road re-tarred is far higher. “Although width may vary, it would cost [the agency] around R85 744.”

To report potholes or any other road or storm water issues, residents can contact the Johannesburg Agency.

Details: hotline@jra.org.za, 0860 562 874.