Blue bridge is still safe
CRAIGHALL PARK – While the JRA still has to follow up on certain procedures with regards to fixing the blue bridge, residents have been reassured it's safe to use.
Concerns over a section of the blue bridge in Delta Park which collapsed were put at ease during a recent meeting with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in Craighall Park.
In the article by the Rosebank Killarney Gazette titled Support wall collapses [Week ending 21 February], it was reported that Ward 90 councillor Martin Williams was concerned over the collapse of the section as the bridge serves a vital role for thousands of residents.
JRA head of infrastructure Siyabonga Genu said, “We can confirm that the bridge is sound and hasn’t been compromised. What has failed is the wing wall which is not necessarily part of the structure of the bridge itself.”
Genu explained that they observed that the wing wall was damaged because of the way the river was flowing. “So, what we need to do now is design a solution to deal with the morphology of the river. We need to come up with a solution that allows the water to run directly into the bridge inlet. But from a budget point of view, currently, we don’t have money to do the repairs, however, we will speak to the City and request the budget.”
He added that he wasn’t sure whether they have approved environmental authorisation, “Before we can work on the stream, we require environmental authorisation. If we don’t have it, that process takes between six and 12 months, so it might actually take longer to get the repairs done. But, if it’s in place, hopefully by June we should have this resolved.”
Genu assured pedestrians who use the bridge that they were safe and, fortunately, the rainy season is drawing to a close. He said they would continue to monitor the situation and would advise communities if there is a need for the bridge to be closed.
Williams said, “I am very glad that the JRA officials are here today to inspect the site. I was very worried. They have taken note and they are doing a report which will include a plan on how to cope. I think for now the bridge seems to be safe as the engineers have taken full note of what happened here.”
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