Six-year wait ends for Gallo Manor residents as Canterbury Crescent bridge reopens
Residents of Gallo Manor are finally celebrating the reopening of the Canterbury Crescent bridge after a six-year closure that disrupted traffic flow, increased safety risks, and impacted daily life in the community.
The City of Johannesburg, through the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), officially reopened the rehabilitated Canterbury Crescent bridge in Gallo Manor on May 5, marking the completion of a R7.35m infrastructure project aimed at restoring safe access between Canterbury Crescent and Satara Avenue.
The bridge had been closed since 2019 following a structural collapse caused by severe stormwater damage.
Read more: Bryanston’s Belgrave bridge closed as rain causes overtopping
For six years, the residents were forced to use alternative routes, increasing congestion along Bowling Avenue and creating safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana acknowledged the frustration and hardship residents endured during the years of delays, while welcoming the completion of the long-awaited project.
“Finally, we can celebrate the opening of the Canterbury bridge to our residents within the Gallo Manor area,” Santana said during his site visit with the publication on May 7.
“We’ve had two contractors to actually get the work done. Six years later, we have finally finished the bridge. The first contract was terminated for lack of performance. A second contractor was then appointed to finish the works and get the bridge completed.
“The essence of my being here today is to literally highlight the fact that I acknowledge the suffering of our residents when we waste, and we take so long to actually implement service delivery to our residents. I thank you for your patience, and we can celebrate that it’s finally been completed.”
Residents living in the gated community surrounding the bridge described the closure as disruptive and dangerous.
One resident who asked to remain anonymous said the detour routes created hazardous traffic conditions, particularly when turning onto Bowling Avenue during peak-hour traffic.
Also read: JRA talks plan to build bridges
“Getting to Bowling Avenue from this side has been very dangerous. If you need to turn right or if you want to get out of the suburb in the morning,” the resident said. “I’ve seen at least one accident turning right into bowling.”
The resident added that the closure also affected security operations within the neighbourhood.
“The traffic along Bowling Avenue had increased in the past few years, following the closure of this road. Because we are a gated community, we had to keep the other gate open at night, which increased the cost of security.”
Despite frustrations over the prolonged delay, the resident praised the quality of the completed structure.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana acknowledges the frustration residents endured while waiting for the damaged bridge to be repaired, during his site visit at the newly reopened Canterbury Crescent Bridge in Gallo Manor. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Ward106 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“Even though the wait was too long, it was worth it. It’s a good result, it’s very solid, it’s good workmanship. I give the final contractor credit for having done a very good job. I wish other areas in Johannesburg that cry out for being maintained could now be uplifted to the same standard that we experience on this bridge.”
The newly completed structure replaced the ageing single culvert that repeatedly failed during heavy rainfall and flooding seasons.
According to JRA, the new 18m-long dual-cell culvert system has been specifically engineered to accommodate significantly larger stormwater volumes and improve year-round accessibility.
JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi commended the project team for overcoming significant hurdles, including the termination of the initial contractor and late wayleave applications, to meet the revised completion targets.
“The Canterbury Crescent bridge upgrade demonstrates our commitment to delivering safe, resilient infrastructure. By replacing an ageing and vulnerable structure, we are not only restoring mobility but also reinforcing Johannesburg’s readiness to support future growth,” Nyathi said.
“We urge community members to be the custodians of this infrastructure and report any acts of theft or vandalism to infrastructure, such as guardrails, to law enforcement immediately.”
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