Following an outcry from concerned motorists, Sanral has stepped in and installed temporary concrete barriers on the R40 Crocodile River bridge in Riverside.

The roads agency inherited responsibility for this severely damaged section of road from the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport in November 2024.

Read also: Sanral addresses R40 pedestrian bridge concerns in Mbombela and Rocky Drift

The temporary measure closes huge gaps, through which vehicles could have plunged into the river below.

According to Sanral spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela, the barriers were installed to safeguard drivers during the busy holiday season.

“The concrete barriers are strong enough to prevent vehicles from going over the edge of the bridge, but motorists are still urged to approach the area with extreme caution. People still need to adhere to the rules of the road for their own safety and the safety of other road users,” he said.

Mahlasela assured motorists that the broken rails will be fully repaired by the end of January 2026. He added that the road is currently managed under an emergency contract.

Motorists have welcomed the placement of the barriers and say they look forward to the permanent solution.