ETHEKWINI Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba officially launched the newly reconstructed Coedmore Bridge at a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning (August 13). 

Also read: Residents celebrate official opening of Coedmore Bridge

The original low-lying bridge was washed away by the devastating April 2022 floods. The National treasury allocated R47m for the reconstruction of a new bridge. 

“The new bridge is now elevated and is an improvement from the previous bridge. From a single lane to a two-lane bridge, with improved lighting and nice pedestrian walkways, something that was not there before,” said Xaba.

Xaba said that he was excited to be there to launch the bridge and unite the communities of Yellowwood Park and Seaview together again. 

“It’s such a busy area. There is a cement factory right across from the bridge, and with this it not only just connects the communities but also moves our economy as well. I’m excited to also say that during the construction period, they created 10 to 15 jobs and ensured that there’s some participation of the disadvantaged in the construction course,” said Xaba. 

He also labelled the bridge as state-of-the-art due to there being no other bridge like this in KZN. Xaba confirmed that there had been no issues of construction mafia interfering in the bridge’s reconstruction and lauded the Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Residents and Ratepayers Association for being on top of things.

The bridge has faced constant criticisms regarding the numerous delays after construction started in early 2024. Xaba said many factors impacted the reconstruction, with the biggest being the heavy rainfall.

“We are really sorry for the inconvenience that the community has had to put up with. We knew that with the rains, it would delay construction. There were challenges, but they were able to finish it within a reasonable time,” said Xaba. 

Mandy Coster, chairperson of the Montwood Residents and Ratepayers Association, said the opening of the bridge has been a major relief to the residents.

“Not only has the new opening helped cut the traffic congestion when taking other routes, it has helped us also save fuel. Although it was delayed by a short while, I am so glad that it is open again and now two lanes. In the old days, you would have two vehicles coming on that bridge and nobody would give way. So now that we’ve got the two lanes incoming and outgoing it is fantastic,” said Coster. 

Xaba said that this is one of three bridges the municipality is looking to open this year.

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