Infamous Scottburgh pedestrian bridge almost complete
Ward 15 councillor Dana Daniels will engage on several matters such as adequate lighting on the bridge and a dedicated taxi lay-by.
After years of project abandonment, 2025 marks the year of work resumption at the infamous pedestrian bridge on the R102 in Scottburgh.
The bridge, which is opposite the GJ Crookes Hospital, was to help pedestrians get from point A to B on this road safely, as this stretch is known to be fairly dangerous.
Before the bridge project was started, and in the initial construction phase after everything came to a halt, it was evident that this section of road is an accident hotspot. It was also evident that vehicles travelled at high speeds, which resulted in small animals (wild and domesticated) often being killed.
Construction began several years ago, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, but was halted abruptly due to several issues, most of which have not been made public.
Scottburgh’s Ward 15 councillor Dana Daniels is now pleased to report that the bridge project is finally nearing completion.
“This is encouraging to see after it stood like a white elephant since before 2021 after the previous contractor walked off site due to unresolved issues,” she said.
“That prolonged standstill placed the community at a disadvantage, leaving an unfinished structure and no improvement to pedestrian safety in the meantime.”
While Daniels still believes there were far more cost-effective and practical alternatives to achieve the same safety outcomes, she is happy that the project is now progressing.
“With the appointment of the new contractor, Lullibo Civils, the work has regained momentum, and I am cautiously optimistic that the bridge will finally serve its intended purpose, reducing pedestrian accidents along this busy road and allowing residents, often the elderly, safer access to the hospital,” she added.
“The safety and wellbeing of our community remain my top priority.”
Daniels mentioned that she will continue to engage on several concerning matters, including among others, the need for adequate lighting on the bridge and the establishment of dedicated taxi lay-bys.
“Once these issues are resolved, the bridge will be far better positioned to serve the community effectively.”
Pedestrians are hopeful that construction will be finished in the new year and will bring about a safer means to travel on this road.
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