JRA responds to Hercules Close bridge in Helderkruin
The entity says they are in the process of finalising tender documents, and the construction will be implemented over two financial years.
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has responded to questions related to the decaying Hercules Close bridge that has been left unattended for three years.
The bridge embankment partially collapsed in 2022 due to heavy rains.
It is also part of the staggering 79% of the City of Johannesburg bridges that are classified to be “poor” or in a “very poor” condition according to the JRA Visual Conditions Assessment (VCI) conducted last year.
According to the head of department for Infrastructure Development, Kwazelela Mcetywa, JRA is aware that the bridge is deteriorating daily, but they are in the process of finalising the tender documentation and commencing with the procurement of a contractor.
“The construction will be implemented over two financial years; we anticipate having a contractor in quarter three of the current financial year,” he said, adding that the bridge will be monitored, and if the structural integrity is compromised, then the area and bridge will be made safe, and procurement will be fast-tracked.
• Also read: Hercules Close Bridge continues to crumble
The agency also highlighted that it currently manages an R156m budget for the 2024/ 25 financial year, with a projected R361m earmarked for bridges over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) covering 2025/ 26, 2026/ 27, and 2027/ 28.
To ease the impact on La Valle residents, Mcetywa said they have drafted a traffic accommodation plan that will be released to the public shortly.
“JRA will ensure that the relevant health and safety requirements are compliant to ensure public safety with the least disruption possible,” he added.
