After more than two years of repair and funding delays, the full reconstruction of the crumbling Sjampanje Street bridge has finally been approved. Access to the bridge has remained closed since 2023 after heavy rains led to its partial collapse during heavy rains.

Despite repeated oversight visits and ongoing pressure from residents and local leadership, no repair work had taken place, and the structure continued to deteriorate.

Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, that funding for the project has now been secured and that construction will begin once procurement processes are complete.

• Also read: Sjampanje Street Bridge crumbles amid delays

“After years of engagement and sustained pressure, I am pleased to share that the full reconstruction of the bridge has been formally approved and will soon begin,” Hoon said.

He said the bridge will not receive a temporary repair but will instead be completely rebuilt as a permanent solution.

“From the moment the bridge failed, I insisted that only a permanent, well-funded, properly engineered solution would be acceptable for our community,” he said.

• Also read: Sjampanje bridge crumbles amid heavy rainfall

According to Hoon, the project will be implemented by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and will include rebuilding the bridge structure, installing new stormwater and culvert infrastructure, reconstructing the road with improved surfaces, and adding sidewalks, kerbs, signage, road markings and traffic-calming measures.

“This will improve safety and convenience for everyone who uses this route,” Hoon said. The reconstruction project is valued at about R32.7m. Once construction officially starts, the work is expected to take around 10 months, with completion planned for the second quarter of the 2026/ 27 financial year, subject to standard procurement and mobilisation processes.

• Also read: Sjampanje Street bridge to remain closed for safety

For safety reasons, the bridge will remain closed until construction is complete. As some of the residents continue to use the route even though it has been barricaded, Hoon has warned residents not to bypass the closure during the reconstruction, as this will put their lives in danger and could delay the project.

“Achieving this outcome required relentless effort and a commitment to long-term solutions,” Hoon said, explaining that securing the project was more than just about making the bridge repairs a short-term fix.

He also added that residents will be updated when important milestones are reached in the project, including when it will be launched, the start of on-site work and progress during construction.

“This is real progress, moving from promises to funded projects that are now being delivered.”

Although this announcement may seem like a big step for residents who have had to live with the closed bridge for years, some of them shared their views, stating that they have waited for too long and their attention is now focused on when construction will finally begin on the site.