Pedestrian bridge to enhance road safety in the east
The original bridge served the residents and workers of Erasmusrand and learners of Hoërskool Waterkloof for many years before it was badly damaged by a truck in January 2015.
In a bid to create safer roads Sanral has constructed a new pedestrian bridge over the N1 in Erasmusrand near Hoërskool Waterkloof.
Sanral northern region manager Progress Hlahla said the bridge which cost R22,3 million was built in just 20 hours over the weekend.
“When pedestrians cross our highways, they place their lives and those of other road users at risk. The number of road fatalities we see throughout the year is very worrying,” he said.
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“It is our hope that this new bridge will reduce the chances of pedestrian crashes on our roads.”
Hlahla said a team of 20 workers and three cranes lifted the ready-made substructure into place.
“All that needs to be done now to make the bridge operational, is to cast the in-situ concrete deck which will take about a month.
The bridge should remain standing for decades to come as Sanral’s world-class bridge management system ensures proper inspection.”
Sanral project manager Alan Agaienz said the bridge replaced the one that was demolished in May 2016 for safety concerns.
He said it had been engineered to international standards with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.
The original bridge was an elegant steel portal frame design with a pre-cast concrete deck, which served the residents and workers of Erasmusrand and learners of Hoërskool Waterkloof for many years before it was badly damaged by a truck in January 2015.
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Agaienz said that the structure was erected in two separate sections and welded in the middle to create the permanent structure.
“The temporary middle support pier will be removed after 28 days when the concrete in the deck has cured.”
He said the design was chosen out of five possible options because it was the most cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution, and hopes it will bring a better and safer way of commute.
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