Concerns grow over deteriorating M39 bridge near Kempton Park

Concerns are growing among residents over the deteriorating state of the M39 bridge. The issue was first reported in November 2023, yet the bridge remains unrepaired.

Resident Lizelle Botha said she first noticed alarming signs of deterioration at the bridge in November 2023 and reported the matter to the relevant departments.

However, she claims that no meaningful action has been taken since.

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The bridge, which is frequently used by motorists, taxis and heavy vehicles, connects key industrial routes between Chloorkop, Thembisa and Isando.

Botha said support structures on both sides of the bridge are damaged, and that erosion, the removal of bricks, and heavy rainfall over the years have further contributed to its deterioration.

Since 2023, Botha has made it her mission to raise awareness about the issue, as the bridge poses a significant safety risk to both motorists and pedestrians.

Over the years, she has approached various councillors from different political parties, local taxi associations, and the City of Ekurhuleni.

She was subsequently referred to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, as the bridge falls under a provincial road. However, she says no action has yet been taken.

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In an effort to continue raising awareness, Botha consulted a civil engineering professor from the University of the Witwatersrand for a second opinion on the damage.

According to the professor, there are support structures not visible to the naked eye, and the bridge may have started rotating, further confirming her concerns.

“I seem to be the only one who cares. I mean, I would imagine that allocating funds to fix a problem before it happens is much easier than fixing it once the damage has already been done,” she said.

The latest update came from an engineering company that followed up on the matter in January 2025.

The update indicated that a detailed inspection was conducted in December 2024, and that a rehabilitation design and recommended actions were compiled and submitted to the Department of Roads and Transport for further intervention.

However, Botha said follow-ups to the department have gone unanswered.

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“This is unacceptable. I can’t believe they are waiting for this thing to collapse, because only then will it be seen as a threat,” she said.

Kempton Express reached out to the Department of Roads and Transport for comment, and by the time of publication, no official response had been received.