A R7.5-million upgrade of the Avenue Road bridge in Norwood

The Johannesburg Roads Agency is set to commence a R7.5-million upgrade of the Avenue Road bridge in Norwood following severe flood damage sustained during heavy rainfall in February this year.

Spokesperson for the agency Bertha Peter-Scheepers said, “An investigation into the existing storm water structure revealed that the pipes have broken and are dislocated from the trench. The failing support structures have put additional pressure on the storm water drainage system. Kerb inlets on the roadway are blocked, the parapet wall, bridge abutments, and water channel have collapsed.”

She added that soil erosion had also resulted in a 5m-deep trench a metre away from the pavement which poses a risk to pedestrians.

The agency’s managing director, Dr Sean Phillips said, “JRA project managers have finalised inspection, planning is underway and the rehabilitation of the bridge has been scheduled for the 2017/2018 financial year. Having been built in 1926, the bridge falls under the protection of the Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Authority as per the National Heritage Resources Act.”

He added that through the rehabilitation of the bridge, the structural integrity would be reinforced for future sustainable use and in doing so, safeguard the cultural significance of the 91 years of the structure.

The project will include demolition of the current damaged storm water drainage system and the construction of a new one.

The river banks will undergo reshaping and re-vegetation along with the installation of gabion walls to prevent soil erosion.

The rehabilitation will lessen future flooding risks.

Details: www.jra.org.za

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