M4 Tongaat River bridge repair hangs in limbo
There is optimism around the sixth and latest tender to have gone out, with a potential contractor possibly being appointed by mid-May.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is yet to find a suitable contractor to repair the M4 Tongaat River bridge.
More than a year since flooding closed the major economic corridor, Sanral awaits the outcome of the sixth round of tender bids which closed on April 28.
Sanral chief corporate affairs officer, Lehlohonolo Memeza, said the latest bids received would first be evaluated, with a decision expected by mid-May
Geotechnical assessments were conducted at the bridge during February and March with the findings included in the scope of work for the yet-to-be-appointed contractors.
At the time Memeza said this would provide data on the sub-surface soil and rock properties and that repairs could take up to two months once work begins.
iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO, Cobus Oelofse, said there was at least optimism around the latest tender, but the soonest the bridge could be re-opened was by end-November.
The scope of work is reported to entail a revised design, jacking the existing bridge deck into place and stabilising the fourth pier.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
