JDA makes progress on Modderfontein Bridge

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) completed the southern section of the Modderfontein Bridge project after an extensive period of rehabilitation and modernisation.

The upstream gabion works installed on the south bridge single cell were extended and are now open and in use, thus relieving some of the past congestion from when the project started.

The JDA is the infrastructure arm of the City of Johannesburg appointed by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to rehabilitate the bridge east of Johannesburg.

The rehabilitation addressed critical structural issues and ensured the bridge’s continued safety and functionality.

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The project arose from the need to increase the cell capacity to accommodate the river flowing below.

There were previous incidents when the river overflowed onto the bridge deck, damaging the infrastructure.

Modderfontein Road is a critical artery that connects the Johannesburg and Ekuhuruleni metros, and its bridge, in Region E, lies north-east through the suburb of Sandringham, crossing the Jukskei River and bypassing Edenvale Hospital.

Reopening the southern section of the bridge was a relief for the community, businesses, and commuters.

The remaining works on the project will include the balance of gabions between the bridges and downstream of the river.

In the meantime, the northern section of the bridge was closed off to start the north bridge works.

The JDA said because of performance challenges, it had terminated the contract with the current contractor.

The project’s current status will see the JDA close out the termination process with the current contractor.

The project will return to the JRA as the custodian of it to source another contractor to complete the project.

The JDA’s executive manager of project implementation, Siyabonga Genu, explained, “This project has had various challenges in the past that delayed its implementation.

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“We are on track and apologise to the communities affected for the inconvenience caused.”

In the interim, they will assess the site and traffic flow to minimise traffic impact and ensure the public’s safety.

Further communication on the project will run through the JRA once a new contractor is appointed.

The extent of civil works included but is not limited to the following:

• Proving and relocation of services

• Excavation

• Northern bridge single-cell construction

• Southern bridge single-cell construction

• Bridge concrete barriers

• Stormwater pipe culverts, structures and V-Drains

• Gabion baskets and mattresses for erosion protection

• Backfilling

• Road layer works

• Asphalting

• Road furniture

• Removal of temporary traffic diversion facility

“The safety of the travelling public and all affected parties remains of utmost importance to us.

“The traffic and pedestrian management plans will remain in place to ensure the safety of the public and motorists,” said Genu.