UPDATE: Hope for commuters as long-delayed Plantation bridge repairs finally begin

Meanwhile, the nearby R80m railway bridge project remains stalled after the contractor left the site, further delaying recovery of a critical transport link in the area.

June 15, 2026

Fanie Mthupha 1 minute read

a bridge — Contractors are on site at the Railway Street bridge as preliminary work gets underway on the long-stalled repair project.

After almost four years of delays, frustration from residents, and ongoing traffic disruption, there is finally movement on the long-stalled Railway Street bridge in Plantation, which was damaged in the 2022 gas tanker explosion.

While the City of Ekurhuleni has not yet released full details on the scope of works, this publication understands that a contractor has now been appointed to undertake the repairs.

On-site activity has already been observed, with preliminary establishment work underway. If timelines hold, completion is expected within one to two months.
Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos welcomed the development but said the delay has had a major impact on daily life for Plantation residents and commuters who rely on the route.

The contractor arrived on-site on June 8.

He pointed out that the road closure has resulted in years of congestion, particularly during peak travel times, affecting access to nearby businesses and public facilities.
“At last, a contractor has now been appointed to fix the bridge, but this is something that should have happened long ago,” said de Vos.

Although the full technical scope is still unconfirmed, it is understood that the project will focus mainly on replacing damaged bridge decking components.

The Railway Street bridge in Plantation, where repair work is finally set to begin after years of delays following the 2022 gas tanker explosion.

Major structural demolition is not expected, with key elements such as the abutment walls reportedly remaining in place. This is expected to allow for a faster turnaround if no unforeseen complications arise during construction.

De Vos added that the key concern now is whether the metro will take a broader approach by also rehabilitating the stretch of road underneath the affected Railway Street bridge and the adjoining railroad bridges to ensure the route can be safely reopened to the public.

A view of the affected transport corridor in Plantation.

“The appointment of a contractor is only the beginning. The real test will be whether the city commits the resources necessary to rebuild and rehabilitate the road without further delays,” he said.

Meanwhile, the nearby R80m railway bridge project remains stalled after contractor Re A Letamisa Trading and Projects CC left the site, further delaying recovery of a critical transport link in the area.