Kilburn construction still underway

Kilburn Street has been cordoned off for about three years now due to embankment erosion from a nearby park which led to the collapse of a corrugated stormwater culvert pipe.

The road leading to Kilburn Street was partially closed in 2020, and in December 2022, heavy rains caused the culvert structure to collapse completely, resulting in full closures between Celeste Crescent and Syd Dwyer Road, with traffic redirected to alternative routes.

This project to rehabilitate and fix the culvert infrastructure began in September 2023, and according to a statement that was released by the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) in October 2023, they were aiming for the project to be completed by July.

Following a visit to the site by the Record, foreman Onke Luphelile stated that this project received major setbacks due to adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions. One major setback was the excavation of the ground, but they foresee the project completed by the end of June.

“The project started later than expected because the ground was wet and we had deeper excavation than planned. We also had delays from the rain, and we had to manoeuvre through electrical cables, water lines, and sewerage,” he said.

This project received an allocation of R32 million from the 2023/ 24 capital expenditure budget, and the closure of this street still has a significant impact on numerous motorists, residents, and businesses at a shopping centre, and a school next to the road.

“Activities that are still left are to construct the roof and deck of the bridge, backfill [soil and other exported materials], join the two roads together, and clean the site,” he added.

JRA was contacted for a more detailed explanation, however, they only commented that the project is 81% complete and should be completed by the end of May.