Century old bridge gets a revamp
Currently the bridge is closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians.
The Umkomaas road bridge that links the area to Mnini will be open to traffic in late September.
The bridge, which is estimated to be close to 100-years-old, is undergoing extensive refurbishment to make it safe for pedestrians and motor vehicles. The work is being undertaken by Avellini Bros at a cost of R11.3-m.
“The bridge was very unsafe and in urgent need of repair,” said site foreman, Mark Chetty.
“We started repairs in March and are scheduled to be completed by 21 September. This included a month break for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa strike. We originally planned to finish in July, but realised there was extra work to be done.”
Currently the bridge, which was initially built as a railway bridge, is closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians. “And the occasional cow or goat still crosses while we are working,” said Mark.
The bridge had become so unsafe, last year a cow crossing it fell over the side when a railing broke. Fortunately it became wedged in the railings between the bridge and a pipeline that runs parallel to it. A community rescue effort soon had the panicked bovine back on its hooves.
A young child also almost disappeared over the side recently when a railing snapped.
“Dilapidated sheets of metal often fell on cars crossing the bridge,” said Mark.
The first job was to replace the guard rail to protect Sappi Saiccor employees who use the bridge to get from home to work and back.
According to Mark the refurbishment is only for a period of three years, when a new bridge, on the Sappi Saicor side, will be built.
New plates are now being welded on to strengthen the corroded metal. The road surface has been dug up and the last part of the job will be to lay new tar.
“The job is not difficult, but there is a lot of work involved. We need to make sure the bridge is safe once again,” said Mark.
