Growing concern is mounting among residents over the deteriorating condition of a pedestrian walkway and bridge structure near the Alberts Farm entrance near 6th road, linking Northcliff and Melville.

The damage was first identified on January 23 last year, when visible erosion began affecting the pedestrian pathway. Since then, conditions have steadily worsened, raising fears of a potential structural failure.

Residents say the root of the problem lies in a blocked pipe beneath the road, which has forced water from the stream to flow over the roadway instead.

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This overflow has created a cascading effect, forming what has been described as a ‘waterfall’ on the downstream side of the bridge. The continuous backwash is eroding the concrete that supports the structure.

Michael Hunt, a parkrunner and representative of the Friends of Alberts Farm, stated that the consequences for pedestrians have already become severe, with sections of the pavement washed away, and people are now forced to walk on the road itself to cross the stream. A situation he described as ‘unnecessarily dangerous’ due to passing traffic.

Concern is growing that the structural integrity of the site has reached a critical point.

Adding to the alarm is a newly forming hole downstream of the Greymont bridge. Residents said repeated flooding, which occurs several times a year — is accelerating the damage.

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“Every time the stream overflows, the hole will get bigger and eventually encroach on the road and wash it away. It will become unsafe for pedestrians and cars,” Hunt said.

Fears are being raised of a repeat of a similar infrastructure failure at the West Road culvert (Greymont bridge), further upstream, which has remained closed for more than four years without repair. A collapse at the 6th Road crossing would severely disrupt access between Albertskroon and Greymont, forcing lengthy detours and compounding daily inconvenience.

Community members, including the Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy, have lodged multiple complaints with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). While there has been some engagement — including a recent site visit by city officials — frustrations remain over the lack of tangible progress.

A public consultation meeting is scheduled for April 7, where residents are expected to raise the matter formally.

The publication sent a media query to JRA for an update on the repair work, to which their response was: “We will follow up.”

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