The worsening state of the Glover Road Bridge has once again sparked frustration among residents, many of whom say the structure has been a known hazard for years.

Despite repeated reports submitted to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the partially collapsed bridge remains unattended and continues to deteriorate. According to Glover Road resident Kerryn Maher, a section of the bridge has caved in, damaging a stormwater pipe beneath it and causing ongoing leakage. The escaping water has eroded large portions of the embankment, destabilising the left lane leading up to the bridge.

JRA confirmed in a written response that the bridge has been formally prioritised for inspection. Media and external communications officer Kelebogile Mafa said the entity acknowledges the concerns raised by the community, noting that the bridge is one of many structures in similar condition across the City of Johannesburg.

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“Glover Road Bridge has now been scheduled for a technical inspection to assess the structural damage, stormwater impact, and immediate safety risks. Johannesburg’s ageing infrastructure, erosion issues, and historic maintenance backlogs continue to place pressure on our roads and bridges,” Mafa said.

Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon said the problem is significant and requires urgent attention, but it must still follow the formal process. He noted that Johannesburg Water must secure the necessary resources to address major infrastructure failures.

According to Hoon, part of the prioritisation process depends on traffic volumes and risk levels at affected bridges – factors that currently place structures such as the Sjampaje Street and Kilburn bridges higher on the city’s list.

“While these procedures take time, the severity of the Glover Road Bridge is not underestimated. According to JRA’s assessments, 702 of Johannesburg’s 902 bridges are classified as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. With only R152 million allocated for bridge rehabilitation in the 2025/ 26 financial year, current budgets fall drastically short of meeting the city’s needs.”

Hoon assured residents that he will continue to escalate the matter through the appropriate channels and ensure that Ward 97 remains part of ongoing city planning.