THE positive reception for speed reduction measures being put in place along the infamous and accident-prone Amanzimtoti River Bridge from May 28 proved to come too soon, as these are only in place to keep construction workers safe while they work on replacement of the railings and installation of concrete barriers along the bridge.

Also read: Speed reduction measures installed at Amanzimtoti River Bridge

Temporary speed reduction measures were put in place at the bridge, where the SUN reported how resident Cedric Carr suffered a traumatic near-death experience following a motor vehicle accident on April 3 which left his bakkie totalled.

Dalene Heath, of emergency group Toti Community Assist, said 33 incidents were reported by residents along the bridge from the start of the year, four of which took place after the SUN’s report. In one of the more serious accidents, a vehicle was dangling off the bridge. A biker was knocked off his motorcycle in a recent incident. In both cases victims needed urgent medical care.

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge informed the community that road maintenance and bridge repair work are underway along the bridge, which is situated near the Amanzimtoti CBD along Andrew Zondo Road.

He said the improved design seeks to install a concrete barrier along the curbing, behind which a railing will be installed, thus allowing for a pedestrian walkway on both sides of the bridge, reducing the collision risk between pedestrians and vehicles.

“The working hours will be from 07:00 until 16:30 daily and the project is expected to take around 14 working days to complete. Please exercise caution and patience while planning routes in accordance, as there may be traffic delays around the working area during this period,” said Beetge.

Councillor provides insight

Beetge explained that during his time in office, the railings of the bridge have been either repaired or replaced no less than four times.

“This is consistently caused by impact as opposed to wear and tear maintenance. It becomes part of the capital as opposed to operational budget that requires such repairs/replacements be submitted before October, preceding the next financial year for inclusion into the budget,” said Beetge.

Also read: Amanzimtoti ‘nightmare bridge’ claims another victim

He added that a request was submitted for repair/replacement to be included in the 2025/26 budget. It was approved, with initial reports indicating work would commence around September last year.

With the continued challenges, including collisions with temporary barriers, despite chevron designs added by Tidy towns to enhance visibility, the structural design department opted to effect changes to something more sustainable.

Setbacks delay project

Multiple delays in the appointment of a contractor occurred from September last year. The contractor began work only during the end of May this year, one month short of the end of the financial year.

“Unfortunately, and despite requests and motivations, the eThekwini Transport Authority remain steadfast in their non-approval of traffic calming measures of what is classified as Class 3 road which prioritises mobility and public transport,” said Beetge.

Also read: Watch: Amanzimtoti River floods Civic Road

Municipal Traffic Calming Policy states physical traffic calming measures like speed humps are generally prohibited on such roads to maintain their primary function of continuous traffic flow. This applies to the entirety of Andrew Zondo Road from Winklespruit to Athlone Park, with the only exception being mandatory calming and speed reduction at Warner Beach Preparatory School.  

“The current temporary traffic calming measures observed within the construction site have been installed to reduce speed in the interest of both the workers, pedestrians and road users during the construction period, which should not take more than four weeks,” concluded Beetge.

For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.