WATCH: Rehabilitated Buccleuch Drive Bridge and Far East Bank roads reopened
Johannesburg Roads Agency announced the completion of critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving road safety and mitigating flooding risks in region E, with significant investments in the rehabilitation of the Buccleuch Bridge and Far East Bank roads.
In a significant milestone for infrastructure development within the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has officially reopened the rehabilitated Buccleuch Bridge and the Far East Bank roads, marking an important step forward for transportation safety and flood risk management in Region E.
Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, alongside the JRA Board, and CEO Zweli Nyathi, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the culmination of extensive efforts to bolster road safety in the area.
The Buccleuch Bridge, which serves as a vital connection over the Jukskei River between Wards 32 and 109, underwent significant rehabilitation following severe weather events in late 2017 and early 2018 which led to substantial embankment erosion.
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JRA allocated R56m from its Capital Expenditure Budget (CAPEX) to effectively address the damages.
Nyathi said: “The rehabilitation of Buccleuch Bridge is a significant achievement. The project included rehabilitating the damaged bridge structure, widening the Jukskei River channels to 32.9m, constructing river embankment erosion protection, and repairing construction joints. This now ensures safe passage for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth The Buccleuch Bridge had suffered significant embankment erosion due to severe weather events back in 2018. The JRA handed over the rehabilitated bridge to the City, and in particular the residents of Ward 32 and Ward 109. #kennykunene #buccleuh #sandtonchronicle #caxtonlocalmedia
The project commenced on December 8, 2023, and has successfully reached completion. In addition, the Far East Bank rehabilitation project focused on upgrading roads and enhancing the storm water drainage system to alleviate flooding concerns.
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The undertaking affected several critical roads, including Phil Machitela, Freedom Charter, Medal, South Africa Boulevard, Award, Chariots of Fire, Lenin Drive, Andrew Radebe, Moeketsi, Martin Mabitsela, and Tsutsumani streets.
The scope of work included relocating existing services, installing storm water pipes, constructing manhole and kerb inlets and outlets, creating gabions, surfacing with asphalt, marking roads, establishing speed humps, and upgrading universal access, alongside finishing road reserves and shoulders.
The project began in March 2024 and concluded in December 2024, with a total expenditure of over R22m.
Read more: New bridge in works to prevent flooding risks in Buccleuch
Kunene said: “These projects have had a significant positive impact on the community. We are pleased to report that the initiatives created employment opportunities for two community liaison officers (CLOs), approximately 83 local labourers, and 11 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) for civil engineering works.
“Furthermore, accredited training was provided to SMMEs and expanded public works programme (EPWP) members, enabling them to become self-employed and independent.”
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