‘Jukskei Park Bridge repair estimate to 24m’ says JRA
Residents and motorists of Jukskei Park are forced to navigate a rickety bridge daily, which has been left to rot for nearly two years after severe flooding.
Nearly two years after severe flooding destroyed the Jukskei Park bridge, on Platina Street, residents are still navigating a dangerous bridge where there are no walkways, and water pipes and electric cables are just out in the open.
What is the city doing? Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe is now demanding action as a matter of urgency to rectify these issues before things get out of control. “The bridge poses a significant risk to those who use it daily. It’s unacceptable that nearly two years have passed since the flooding, and residents are still navigating such a precarious structure. We need immediate action to ensure the safety of our community.”
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The flooding on March 7, 2023, caused significant erosion to the bridge. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) briefly reopened the bridge, after a quick inspection, and promised swift repairs in May 2023, but no significant work has been undertaken since.
This has left Jukskei Park residents and motorists to navigate the hazardous structure daily, putting them at considerable risk.
Van der Merwe said: “The structural damage is not that serious, but it does need to be repaired. The things that have to be attended to now, are the wash away on the Witkoppen side of the bridge, the rebuild of the pavement, and the arm rails.”
Barriers have been placed on the sides of the bridge, and pedestrians have been advised to be aware that the bridge could still be dangerous, as the repairs are not yet complete.
In response to these concerns, Mosa Makhalima, spokesperson for JRA, stated that there are plans to fix the bridge. The project is currently in the design stage, with implementation prioritised for the next financial year, budget permitting, with an estimated cost of R25m. In the interim, the JRA depot undertakes routine maintenance of the bridge, to ensure ease of mobility and safety.
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