Authorities in Gauteng have embarked on an ambitious programme to refurbish seven bridges across the City of Tshwane as part of ongoing efforts by the provincial Department of Roads and Transport to preserve critical road infrastructure, improve road safety, support local economic development and strengthen service delivery across the province.
MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela on Tuesday led a groundbreaking ceremony in Atteridgeville alongside Tlangi Magale, the City of Tshwane’s Mayoral Committee Member responsible for Transport.
In a statement, the department said the rehabilitation of the seven bridges was aimed at restoring their structural integrity and bringing them up to an acceptable standard to ensure they continued to serve motorists, pedestrians and surrounding communities safely and reliably.
“Our provincial road infrastructure is essential to the movement of people, goods and services. Through this rehabilitation project, we are taking practical steps to preserve our bridges, improve their structural condition and ensure that they continue to serve our communities safely and efficiently. Maintaining this infrastructure is critical to supporting economic activity and improving the quality of life of our residents,” MEC Diale-Tlabela was quoted as saying.
The department said the project would involve a range of rehabilitation and maintenance interventions tailored to the condition and requirements of each bridge. These would include repairs to existing bridge rails and parapets, painting of steel structures, replacement of bridge joints, crack sealing and repairs to spalled concrete.
The bridges earmarked for rehabilitation are located along key provincial routes within the Tshwane Regional District and in areas to the north-west of Tshwane. They include:
- Bridges B59 and B1015: Located along the R101 over the Hennops River, south of Vhalala.
- Bridge B2114: Located along gravel road D775, south-west of Atteridgeville.
- Bridges B637, B649 and B760: Located along the R511, south-west of Atteridgeville.
- Bridge B142: Located along the R514, also known as Van der Hoff Road, north-west of Tshwane.
“Bridges are vital links within our road network, and their deterioration can affect mobility, safety and economic activity. By rehabilitating these seven structures, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure and helping to ensure that our roads remain dependable for the communities and businesses that rely on them every day,” the MEC added.