New Route via Khuma and Vermaasdrift Implemented as Sinkholes Emerge on Stilfontein Diversion
- Karen Scheepers
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Traffic management in the Stilfontein region has faced a fresh set of challenges following the discovery of two new sinkholes directly along the secondary route previously used to bypass the N12 highway. The City of Matlosana’s Directorate of Public Safety has confirmed that the ground subsidence occurred within Stilfontein town, rendering the primary diversion route unsafe for heavy and through traffic.
Localized Subsidence Disrupts Diversion Route
The new sinkholes are not located on the N12 itself, but rather at critical intersections within the town that were bearing the brunt of redirected highway traffic. Specifically, the hazards have been identified at:
Stilfontein Road and Van Zyl Street
Stilfontein Road and Connaught Street
The cause of the instability has been traced to a persistent leak in a water pipe at the old Stilfontein reservoir. The resulting water saturation in the dolomitic soil, exacerbated by the high volume of heavy vehicles using these residential roads, led to the structural failure of the road surface.
Revised Traffic Plan: Khuma and Vermaasdrift
Because the previous bypass through Stilfontein is now impassable at these key junctions, a new traffic management plan has been activated to maintain the flow between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp:
Closure: The N12 lane from Potchefstroom to Stilfontein remains closed.
New Diversion: All vehicles traveling toward Klerksdorp are now being diverted through Khuma and Vermaasdrift.
Re-entry: Traffic will navigate through these areas to join Stilfontein town at safe points beyond the sinkholes before rejoining the N12.
Eastbound Traffic: The lane heading toward Potchefstroom remains open, though motorists are urged to proceed with caution.
Assessment and Public Safety
Provincial and municipal authorities are currently on-site managing the flow of vehicles and securing the perimeter of the new sinkholes. Technical teams have been dispatched to address the reservoir leak, but the roads will remain temporarily closed until a full geotechnical assessment confirms the stability of the surrounding area.
The Directorate of Public Safety has emphasized that these measures are strictly for the protection of road users. Motorists are urged to strictly follow the new diversion signs via Vermaasdrift and avoid attempting to use closed residential streets within Stilfontein. Info credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1417137537110028&set=a.291956829628110
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