Six-month closure for bridge repairs
The iconic Mzimkhulu River bridge has shown signs of concrete degeneration for many years, and sagging occurred over the last three years.
The long-awaited repairs to the Mzimkhulu River Bridge on the R102 in Port Shepstone are set to start on Tuesday, March 18, and it will be a no-go zone for at least six months.
Initially, it was meant to close to traffic on Wednesday, but after a meeting with relevant departments, a decision was taken to close the bridge on Monday, March 17, at 15:00.
Built in 1958, it comprises a 16-span reinforced pre-stressed concrete deck carrying a two-lane traffic carriageway and a single railway line supported on reinforced concrete piers and abutments which are founded on caissons.
The iconic bridge has shown signs of concrete degeneration for many years, and sagging has occurred over the last three years.
During a site inspection by engineers in July 2024, it was established that pier two rotated towards the sea and also to the north due to foundation settlement, causing a depression on the right lane to the parapets and railway line. The extent of the damage on the railway line made it unusable. The most likely cause of the failure is the settlement of caisson on the side of pier two.
Also, the KwaZulu-Natal of Transport (DOT) instructed that short and long-term pier movement monitoring measures be put in place – once a day for a week, once a week for a month and then once a month.
At a meeting held at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality council chambers on Wednesday, the DOT addressed relevant stakeholders.
The project will entail emergency repairs to pier two, which has already settled and rotated; repairs to the remainder of the structure to reinstate its durability for more than 25 years; and possible emergency repairs to other piers that are also at risk of foundation failure.
Information was also shared on the toll fee exemption, status of the alternative route (P464) and traffic control at intersections.
A second meeting is planned for this Sunday (16th) with key stakeholders.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality said it supports the DOT to protect life and limb and urges everyone to cooperate with the process, particularly as the danger posed by the structural decay of the bridge has been a matter of concern for all.
“The municipality will support the department to ensure that the process is expeditious as is humanly possible so that we can once again enjoy the smooth flow of traffic in a safe and healthy environment,” said acting spokesperson Nomusa Zulu.
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