TEMPORARY repairs to the Ezimbokodweni River N2 bridge’s southbound lanes have begun. According to an official South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) statement, the repairs are being conducted to allow the route to reopen to traffic by December 13.

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At the stakeholders’ meeting regarding the repairs which included Sanral, eThekwini Municipality, industry representatives, and law enforcement on November 11, it was revealed that the repairs would be carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: This will involve temporary support for the damaged beam, lifting the bridge deck, installing temporary supports with rubber padding, and lowering the new temporary deck to the required road level to allow it to reopen by December 13.

• Phase 2: Expected to begin in January 2025, this will entail the replacement of all bearings to prevent future failures and ensure the bridge’s continued functionality. Work will be planned to align with Sanral’s long-term bridge upgrade plans and will be executed with temporary short-term traffic closures, either at night or on weekends.

• Phase 3: Planned for the second quarter of 2025, it entails broadening the carriageway in both directions to four lanes between Isipingo Interchange and Moss Kolnik Drive.

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