IN the wake of social media reports alerting motorists to major damage to numerous commuter route roadways, including the M41 bridge over the N2 near Durban, caused by yesterday’s storm, SANRAL has issued a statement to the contrary.

‘No damage has been reported to roads and bridges within SANRAL’s jurisdiction,’ said SANRAL (SA National Roads Agency Ltd) Regional Manager (Eastern Region), Logashri Sewnarain.

‘Contrary to hoax reports, there has been no damage to the Mt Edgecombe Interchange, which has been inspected by site engineers and no structures have been found to have collapsed.

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‘A cut face on the M41 between the Mt Edgecombe Interchange and the new Flanders Drive Interchange (where the new Flanders Drive on-ramp goes onto the M41), collapsed onto the M41, closing part of the M41 eastbound.

‘The actual road is, however, intact and will be reopened once the mud debris has been cleared.

‘No bridges that fall under SANRAL have been reported to have been damaged.’

Sewnarain said that all culverts within SANRAL’s jurisdiction are maintained regularly, and are checked and cleared of all debris after every significant rainfall, like yesterday’s.

‘SANRAL records its appreciation and gratitude to all emergency teams and rescue services that assisted following the widespread flooding.’