MZIMKHULU RIVER BRIDGE: Will a single lane open on Sunday?

With a single lane opening on the Mzimkhulu River bridge this Sunday (7th), questions have been raised about traffic flow and control.

Stakeholders are concerned that with the holiday season almost here, more vehicles will be arriving on the coast.

The single lane was meant to open on December 2, but due to rain it had to be rescheduled.

At a stakeholders’ meeting at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) Council Chambers on Sunday, the KZN Department of Transport said the projected reopening of the bridge has been pushed to mid-January 2026. Meanwhile, a single lane stop-and-go system will be applied and more traffic signage for alternative routes will be placed. Furthermore, the department added that the contractor has extended working hours and included weekend work to fast-track progress.

However, stakeholders believe that the work is behind schedule and wanted to know the exact date the bridge will be fully functional.

A business representative, who did not want to be named, said that the slow progress of the project has affected his operation. Resident Selvan Chetty raised the issue that people on social media are creating confusion, giving out false information.

The department advised that the only credible information will come from it, which will then be passed on to the community via the stakeholders.

RNM mayor Zodwa Mzindle, added that the time for talking about technicalities has passed and is grateful for the single lane opening. A revised request to extend the e-toll waiver to December 15 was submitted and approval is being awaited from the office of the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy.

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