N2 Umhlali bridge repair remains on track

Teams carrying out repairs at the N2 Umhlali River bridge, damaged during the April floods last year, are now just over two months into the job.

Salt Rock ward councillor Privi Makhan, who sits on the project liaison committee for the repairs in the R37-million project, said things were unfolding smoothly.

“The contractor has done well to mitigate any challenges on site. Although the project was cited as a four-month contract, delays such as rain and other technical aspects could have a minor impact on project timelines,” she said.

Makhan highlighted that she was pleased to see progress and looked forward to the critical economic route’s reopening once complete.

Work includes jacking the bridge back into its original position with Riverhorse Valley-based DT Mlangeni Projects appointed to carry out the repair.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) backed the construction company, saying the contractor’s key personnel had experience beyond the minimum requirements.

Repairs started in February with the team given four months to conclude the job, anticipated to be complete at the end of June or in early to mid-July.

Sanral’s chief corporate affairs officer, Lehlohonolo Memeza said this included the reconstruction of closure and façade walls, while bearings and joints would also be replaced during the repositioning of the deck.

“The approach fills will be reinstated which will require the demolition of the approach slabs, excavation and battering of the existing fill material, the benching of the new road fill and layer works, as well as reinstatement of the concrete pavement.

“Drainage works will have to be undertaken and guardrails installed,” she said.

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