The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Motorways depot is taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of climate change on the M1 South along the Glenhove offramp, despite increased rain intensity. Rising subterranean water levels have exacerbated road deterioration, resulting in potholes and surface disintegration. In mitigation, the JRA Motorways depot is installing subsoil drains along the Glenhove interchange road reserve.
“This drainage system redirects excess water into stormwater drains, preventing water seepage on the road,” says Tshipane Mashiloane, Motorways depot Manager.
Mashiloane says initial results indicate positive outcomes, with water flowing within the subsoil pipes, leading to a dry road surface.
“Once the pipe installation is complete, the JRA’s Road Resurfacing Depot will rehabilitate the affected road section,” he adds.
Water saturation had initially reduced the road’s bearing capacity, but the intervention has restored stability.
After the area fully dries out, the affected section will undergo milling and resurfacing to meet acceptable standards.
Mashiloane says the installation of 480m of subsoil drains, with an additional 69m is in progress.
The use of subsoil drains has a successful history, he says, citing a similar intervention on the Soweto Highway before the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Mashiloane emphasises that subsoil drains are proven for handling subsoil drainage, effectively reducing third-party claims.
“Post-completion, ongoing monitoring, especially during the rainy season, will assess the solution’s sustainability.”
Langeriwa Mthombeni, Operations Manager for Strategic Assets, commends the internal capacity demonstrated by Mashiloane and the Motorways depot team (Assistant Managers David Nyamande and Palesa Seipobi) in managing stormwaters without relying solely on external service providers.
All work was completed in-house.
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Written by Thembile Gule
10.11.2023