A budget of about R25m has been allocated to repair Hercules Close bridge in Helderkruin, which has been crumbling for the past four years.

The bridge embankment partially collapsed in 2022 due to heavy rains, posing a risk to vehicles moving in and out of a nearby complex and affecting residents living in about 60 units.

According to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) head of infrastructure development Kwazelela Mcetywa, the project is expected to take 10 months. A contractor has been appointed, while a community liaison officer (CLO) still needs to be appointed.

“For the project to commence, the CLO must be appointed after the project is introduced to the community. Timelines for public participation meetings depend on the ward councillor’s availability, and the CLO appointment will follow the City of Johannesburg CLO policy framework. It is anticipated that the CLO will be appointed by October 13, after which, within three days, the project schedule will contractually commence. The contractor is therefore expected to commence with works then,” Mcetywa said.

• Also read: JRA responds to Hercules Close bridge in Helderkruin

Project scope and roadworks

The work will include the demolition of the existing culvert, removal of the demolished material, reconstruction of a new concrete bridge, and installation of gabion boxes and mattresses to protect against erosion.

The project will also involve reconstructing approximately 178m of Hercules Close Road, including the roadbed, sub-base, base, and asphalt surfacing layers.

Other planned work includes constructing an 85m temporary road deviation, relocating and protecting existing services, backfilling, and carrying out mass earthworks.

Trustee welcomes long-awaited repairs

Wynand Lewis, a trustee at the complex, welcomed the project and said he hopes the entity can keep its word and start the project as soon as possible.

“I hope there are no further delays, as we’ve fought with the entity for the past four years to have this bridge fixed.

“Using this road was quite difficult for us at times, especially when it rained, because the soil was washing away and the road was getting narrower,” Lewis said.

During construction, the road will be fully closed, and a temporary deviation will be created primarily to maintain access for residents of the affected complex.

According to Mcetywa, major traffic disruptions are not expected because Hercules Close is an access road that connects to another access road. However, residents in the surrounding area may experience minor disruptions associated with construction activities. The appointed contractor will be responsible for managing these disruptions effectively.