The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) launched the start of the Sjampanje Street bridge rebuild project during an on-site sod-turning event held on May 7.

Members of the JRA board, the JRA CEO, Zweli Nyathi, and City of Johannesburg MMC for Transport, Clr Kenny Kunene, were all present.

The bridge, situated between Lubbe Rouge Street and Cabernet Street, has remained closed since December 2023 after heavy rains caused part of the culvert structure to collapse.

Residents living in the surrounding areas have since had to use alternative routes, with many raising concerns about increased traffic congestion, longer travel times, and safety around the closed bridge.

In recent weeks, visible work has started on the site. An excavator was seen at the bridge on April 16, while barriers and rubble that remained on the surface were cleared as demolition of the old structure is set to begin soon.

According to the JRA, more than R28m has been allocated towards the reconstruction project, which includes upgrades to the bridge, surrounding road infrastructure, and stormwater systems.

The project will involve the demolition of the damaged culvert, earthworks, construction of a new cast-in-situ culvert structure, road realignment, asphalt surfacing, and the installation of drainage infrastructure, guardrails, signage, and road markings.

Speaking during the launch, Nyathi said the project forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure across Johannesburg.

Related article: R32.7m to rebuild Sjampanje Street bridge

“As the financial year draws to a close, JRA is proud to have undertaken several bridge upgrades and rehabilitation projects city-wide,” he said.

“We look forward to implementing projects like the Sjampanje Street culvert and road rehabilitation in other areas of need across the City of Johannesburg as part of our commitment to provide a quality road network to communities,” he added.

Many residents use the bridge to commute to various places in the area, including schools, businesses, and so on. In his speech, Kunene focused on the bridge being an important route for residents.

“Once the project is completed, motorists and pedestrians alike will be able to use the road again, and the current peak-hour traffic congestion along Nic Diederichs Road and adjacent roads will be alleviated.” He also thanked residents for their patience during the closure of the bridge.

The reconstruction project is expected to create local job opportunities through the appointment of local labour, SMMEs, and a community liaison officer.

According to the JRA, construction is expected to take about 11 months, provided there are no major delays. The stakeholders then took turns engaging in a sod-turning event before the launch was over.