R500k budget allocated for ‘truck-eating’ bridge

Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison has revealed that R500 000 has been allocated in the 2024/25 budget, with additional funding for the following three financial years, to improve signage and reduce incidents at the notorious Elgin Bridge.

This funding forms part of the Ward’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Davison confirmed that the budget became effective in July and that she is actively working with Roads Infrastructure engineers on the signage improvement project.

“One to three trucks, or sometimes more, get stuck under the bridge daily. Some manage to stop just before the bridge but then have to reverse, causing significant traffic disruptions,” Davison explained.

She highlighted that the ongoing incidents often turn Kempton Park into a “parking lot” and strain the limited resources of the EMPD.

The problem is compounded by truck drivers and logistics companies unfamiliar with local roads, who frequently use Elgin Road as a shortcut between the N3 and the R21.

Also read: Information on structural damage to Elgin Road bridge revealed in Parliament

This route is popular among residents and transport companies alike.

Davison explained that engineering constraints limit the potential solutions including raising or lowering the bridge.

“The Birchleigh Station’s incline requirements make this option unfeasible.”

She added that lowering the road was also not an option.

“This is also impossible due to critical infrastructure such as power, water, stormwater, sewerage, and a gas line located beneath the road surface.

“Widening the bridge would compromise the bridge’s structural integrity, as confirmed by PRASA and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee,” said Davison.

While there are proposals in the 50-year plan for alternative railway crossings and new road connections, current budgets at both provincial and municipal levels cannot support these projects.

Davison shared that the roads department is still consulting with potential service providers, and there is no timeline yet for installing new signage or warning systems.

Also read: Yet another truck ‘ploughs’ into Elgin Road bridge: avoid this afternoon

“Residents have requested the reinstatement of the old ‘gantry and chain’ system, but unfortunately, this method has been phased out under current road policies and by-laws,” she said.

Initially, there were plans to install signalised signage and over-height truck beams to prevent trucks from accessing the bridge.

However, this system is costly and has shown limited success in similar scenarios, such as in Muizenberg.

Despite the limitations, Davison expressed hope that the project, once completed, would reduce the frequency of trucks getting stuck under the bridge.

“The goal is to improve the situation for all road users and minimise the disruptions caused by these incidents,” she said.