Structural issues close Spring Road bridge
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Ward 126 councilor, David Brand explains the process to be undertaken to have a structurally sound bridge.
The bridge located on Spring Road has been closed as an emergency precaution after heavy rains destroyed parts of the bridge and surrounding riverbank.
An engineer concluded that the bridge is deteriorating quickly and since its structural integrity could not be guaranteed, the bridge was blocked off on the evening of 23 March.
Ward 126 councillor, David Brand said, “The situation will cause chaos with traffic but this is for people’s safety.”
The issues with the bridge include:
- The eastern and western waterways under the bridge have eroded
- The middle supporting bridge pillar and its foundation have eroded
- Services mounted on the bridge have been exposed and stormwater has caused extensive damage to the related infrastructure
Due to the heavy rains, the gabion baskets which prevent riverbank erosion have been washed away and sewerage lines and a nearby residence are in danger of being damaged by heavy water flow.
Brand said a design engineer will be appointed in the next 10 days and a contractor for the bridge should be appointed by May or June.
Currently, he is unable to say whether or not the bridge can be repaired or if it will have to be demolished, but it is anticipated that it will have to be.
In the next 10 days, the Johannesburg Roads Agency will develop a traffic diversion plan, and signs and barriers will be correctly positioned to bar access to the bridge and divert traffic to alternative routes. Pamphlets will also be given out in the surrounding area to warn residents of the bridge closure. It is estimated the bridge will remain closed for the next 10 months to a year.
The temporary blockade of old tar drums, danger tape and no entry signs was being ignored by motorists.
Hanlee Fourie, chairperson for the Devon Valley Residents’ Association confirmed that she received many complaints that motorists were moving the no entry signs and driving on the bridge.
Brand alerted the Johannesburg Roads Agency who organised large boulders to be placed in the road on 28 March so that motorists were unable to cross. He thanked everyone who passed on the message that the bridge is closed.
He said he could not guarantee what would need to be done or how long it would take, but he could guarantee there would be communication.
Hanlee promised to report back on the bridge’s progress once a month.
Details: Brand on david@ward126.co.za
