Video: Sanral aims for mid-December reopening of collapsed N2 bridge

The partial collapse of the Mbokodweni River Bridge on the N2 southbound near Amanzimtoti has caused major traffic disruptions.

Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa yesterday called for patience from road users, stating that the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) is undertaking emergency measures to repair the damage.

Hlengwa called for public patience as Sanral responds to the crisis. He confirmed that Sanral has assured there is no structural damage to the bridge.

“These are ‘wear and tear’ elements which have broken down and will require replacement.” The agency’s technical team is currently assessing how quickly this can be done.

@southcoastheraldWATCH:‼️⚠️TRAVEL ALERT ‼️⚠️ The bridge on the N2 South over the Umbogintwini River (Amanzimtoti) is collapsing. Metro police on the scene. *Video circulating on social media*♬ original sound – southcoastherald

Here is what has been established so far:

• Built over 64 years ago, in the early 1960s, the Mbokodweni Bridge consists of six spans, with a total length of 137.16 metres. It carries the N2 southbound carriageway over the Mbokodweni River from Durban to Port Shepstone.
• During the bridge’s 64-year lifespan, vibrations, along with potential age-related deterioration, likely caused spalling and cracking of the concrete. This deterioration would have exacerbated the corrosion of the reinforcement within the bearings, weakening them and ultimately leading to their failure.
• A full inspection of the remaining bearings is underway as all bearings on the bridge may need replacement due to their age and vulnerability.
• Challenges to the repair work include high water levels and the ongoing wet season, impacting site access. To manage this, Sanral will proceed with repairs in two phases:

Phase one will involve temporary support for span four, lifting the bridge deck, installing temporary supports with rubber padding, and lowering the new temporary deck to the required road level, allowing it to reopen by December 13, before the holiday season.

Phase two, expected to begin in January, will entail the replacement of all bearings to prevent future failures and ensure continued bridge functionality. This phase will also address critical repairs, including restrained cracking, aligning with Sanral’s long-term bridge upgrade plans. Temporary, short-term traffic closures will occur, either at night or on weekends.

Traffic disruptions

The southbound carriageway of the N2 is currently closed, with traffic accommodation established at the Joyner Road Interchange (Exit 146).

Metro police and Road Traffic Inspectorate officers are deployed at key intersections to direct traffic. Sanral and traffic law enforcement authorities are investigating other traffic management options.

Responding to media questions about bridge safety nationwide, Sanral’s acting regional manager for the Eastern Region, Dudley Mbambo, said: “We conduct regular inspections of all our structures, including bridges, as part of our bridge management system. The most recent assessments were completed in February this year for the entire country.” He added that the Mbokodweni River Bridge received a 98% score in its last assessment in February and that the bridge failure was due to wear and tear.

Sanral has initiated a 24-hour call centre at its Traffic Management Centre to address public inquiries on 033 840 8484 or 073 837 0814.