Frustrations high regarding the Elgin Road Bridge

Motorists are frustrated and if ‘enough is enough’ was a bridge it would be the Elgin Road Bridge.

February 17, 2021

Puleng Sekabate 1 minute read

There is consistent water flow from the embankments causing potholes on the road underneath the bridge that would be patched every now and then. Patching work was done on the potholes last week Thursday (February 11) and this photograph was taken on Monday (February 15) indicating that in less than a week, the potholes had returned.

Motorists are fed up with the road conditions at Elgin Bridge and on Pretoria Road.

Major traffic congestion on Pretoria Road as a result of trucks being stuck underneath the Elgin Road subway has caused frustration for motorist for years.

The road condition and potholes following the recent heavy rains have added to drivers’ aggravation.
Express received several complaints from motorists about potholes last week.

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Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison said an interdepartmental meeting was held on February 10 and was attended by her, Kempton customer relations manager Isaac Bangilizwe and officials from roads and storm water, as well as water and parks departments.

Davison told Express divisions embarked on clearing the weeds and grass-cutting of the embankments.

“The main reason for the potholes opening and worsening daily, even after numerous patching and filling, is the constant waterflow from the embankments.

“The water table in the area is very high, with a lot of underground springs.

“The recent heavy rains and the fact that this road carries extreme traffic makes the situation nearly impossible for the roads department to maintain. The underground water and rain cannot be stopped; however, it can be redirected,” said Davison.

She said the immediate plan includes:

• An investigation by the water department to determine any possible water or sewer leaks.
“This will be attended to immediately. Stormwater drains will be cleared.”
• Roads department will level out the road surface, create an incline and gutters to direct water to the stormwater drains.
• Depending on the weather, the roads department planned to close off the road with the assistance of EMPD on February 16 or 17 for the work to be completed.

“Going forward, the roads implementation division will create subterranean drainage systems to keep water away from the embankments and road surface.

“Rehabilitation of the embankments is on the Ward 15 IDP, including the cement retaining walls. Once the waterflow is completely under control, the area under the bridge will be completely resurfaced with the help of the energy department guiding where the underground power cable is,” said Davison.