Two-way traffic on Mzimkhulu River bridge in 2026
For many, the reopening has eased months of frustration, but others remain unhappy with the dusty, untarred stop-and-go system.
A single-lane traffic on the Mzimkhulu River bridge in Port Shepstone officially reopened recently, bringing long-awaited relief to motorists and businesses affected by the closure.
For many, the reopening has eased months of frustration, but others remain unhappy with the dusty, untarred stop-and-go system – complete with the occasional speed hump that now regulates traffic across the bridge.
In a statement, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the bridge built in 1958, was severely damaged earlier this year when prolonged rainfall and flooding destabilised its piers, causing them to rotate. This compromised the structure’s integrity, prompting an immediate closure to ensure public safety.
According to Duma, the impact on the local economy has been a major concern since repair work began in March.
“It is for this reason we have worked extremely hard, despite challenges, to turn the situation around.”
Duma said that prolonged rainfall and erratic weather caused delays, prompting the department to implement accelerated construction methods. These include extended working hours, weekend shifts and 24-hour operations during pile-cap construction.
He further explained that it should be remembered that in April last year, the municipality experienced devastating floods that destroyed road infrastructure, with Margate Airport getting flooded. “Port Shepstone CBD and other areas became inaccessible, resulting in the disruption of suppliers and the entire supply chain management. This increased costs with major financial ruin experienced by business. Job losses that followed pushed many people to live below the poverty line.”
“The reopening of one lane is a significant milestone we should all celebrate.”
With rehabilitation now advancing steadily, the department aims to reopen the bridge to two-way traffic by February 25, 2026.
Here is what has been completed so far:
1. About 256m of parapets have been concrete cast, and some 289m of steel fixings are currently in progress.
2. Cleaning and scrubbing work is in progress on five out of 15 bridge spans. Patching work on Span 15 is also underway.
3. New pile-cap work for Pier 2 commenced on November 3 and was completed on December 2, using 767m³ of concrete and 180 tons of steel.
4. Geotechnical drilling has been completed, and grouting work is in progress, with a total of 12 boreholes drilled.
5. Surface deck repairs on Span 5 to Span 15 have been completed.
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