The collective groans of annoyance that accompany any talk of the South Road Bridge construction are becoming more apparent as the road issues approach the four-year mark.
The road was officially closed off and barricaded with large boulders in October 2017 after issues arose with passing motorists and pedestrians moving the temporary barriers that had been placed around the sinkhole that was compromising the road’s integrity.
After nearly two years of behind-the-scenes authorisations and plans, construction finally began in June 2019. In the previous update posted by the Record in October this year, Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project, Mdu Myeza stated that the bridge was set to be completed by the end of November. However, to anyone who drives past the construction site, it is plainly visible that the project will not be completed by the end of the month.
According to Myeza, the team encountered more delays due to a nationwide steel shortage that was halting the construction of the bridge. This being said, the CLO confirmed that the steel was paid for nearly six weeks ago, and he expects it to be delivered some time next week. “There has been a lot of progress. Most of the work that was appointed to the main contractor has been completed, there are just small things left to do,” said Mdu. “It will be a beautiful bridge, with not only place for traffic flow, but also walkways.”
Projections from the engineers on the project indicate that the new completion date will fall around February 2021. “We are aware of the frustration that the delays are causing – the bridge has been closed for four years now, but we are working to get it done as soon as possible,” concluded Mdu.
The construction on South Road will stop over the festive season, with most of the workers going on leave from 15 December until the first week of January 2021.
