Motorists in Amberfield, The Reeds, Heuweloord, and Rooihuiskraal can once again use the Amampondo Drive bridge, which reopened on March 3, bringing relief to residents who endured over two months of disrupted commutes.

The bridge is a key access route connecting communities in the area and was closed after sustaining extensive structural damage during heavy flooding on December 20 last year.

This was the damage…. Thank you team Roads and Stormwater, and our Central developers. Now let the traffic flow nicely and let our school not be distracted! https://t.co/0RDYWNwCYb pic.twitter.com/8B2cya3IqQ

— Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC Roads&Transport🖤💚💛 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) March 4, 2026

Residents had to rely on frequently congested alternative routes due to the bridge’s closure, which significantly increased travel times and disrupted daily routines.

Jordan Williams, a resident of The Reeds, described the closure as a major disruption to his daily travel.

“I had to leave home much earlier to avoid the congestion on alternative routes and often found myself stuck in traffic for longer than usual,” he explained.

“The detours were chaotic, especially during the mornings and late afternoons.”

He emphasised that the bridge’s reopening has restored a sense of normalcy and freedom for residents, allowing him to plan his day without the uncertainty of long delays.

Sarah Malan, who frequently used the bridge to visit family members in Heuweloord, also expressed her relief.

“I had to navigate crowded alternative roads, which added at least 20 minutes to my trip,” she said.

Malan noted that the reopening now allows her to travel safely and efficiently between her home and the places she regularly visits, significantly improving her daily routine.

The MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, confirmed that the bridge’s reconstruction was carried out in collaboration with the original developer of the crossing in 2015.

She explained that the emergency rehabilitation was undertaken at the developer’s expense after it had offered to do so under an approved reimbursement mechanism.

“In light of municipal capacity and budget constraints at the time, this proposal provided a practical and time-sensitive solution to restore access for residents,” stated Mogale.

The MMC highlighted that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including the installation of permanent guardrails, balustrades, dedicated pedestrian walkways, and debris-catching systems to enhance safety and structural resilience, was carried out.

“The bridge serves as the only functional river crossing between various extensions in Heuweloord and Rooihuiskraal North within the Amberfield area. Its collapse severed direct access between these communities and placed significant strain on surrounding routes,” she added.

Since there were no reasonable alternative routes in proximity, Mogale explained that the situation constituted a critical access and service delivery emergency, requiring urgent intervention.

“This reopening restores a vital connection within Ward 48 and underscores the city’s commitment to responsive, solutions-driven service delivery,” Mogale said.

“It was a privilege to officially reopen the bridge for public use. Residents can now move freely and safely once again.”

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