Metro to fix damaged railing on Voortrekker Street Bridge
"The damage to the balustrade was clearly caused by a vehicle impact."
The bridge on Voortrekker Street over the N12 highway has been posing a threat to commuters and motorists for several months.
A visit by the City Times revealed that the railing on the western side of the bridge was damaged and had been left exposed for several weeks.
Furthermore, the manhole covers on both sides of the bridge were missing and this leaves those who use the bridge daily at risk of falling inside the manholes.
Following an enquiry sent to the City of Ekurhuleni and SANRAL, the municipality revealed that the damage to the guardrail was caused by a vehicle accident and that as per the norm, the matter was not reported to them.
“The damage to the bridge is a vehicle accident damage and we are usually notified through SANRAL’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC), though we also appreciate that you have notified us in this incidence. We also have roving vehicle patrols but this defect was not picked up by them,” said municipal spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Also Read: Three vehicles involved in N12 crash at Voortrekker Street bridge
The municipality has since placed Jersey concrete barriers as a safety measure while promising that the process of repairing the balustrade will follow.
Dlamini explained that the missing manhole covers were a result of theft.
“Theft on the National Roads is a big problem and we lose lots of road furniture, including guardrails, traffic signs, fences, grids and manhole covers due to this problem.
“Unfortunately, it seems that there are well-organised criminal syndicates that are involved and the police seem to be overwhelmed to assist,” Dlamini said.
The balustrades were installed in 1969 when the bridge was constructed. Dlamini stated that if such steel railings are properly cared for and well maintained, they can last for 25 to 35 years.
“With proper care and maintenance, and up on the Highveld where corrosion isn’t as bad as it is on the coast, such steel balustrades on the bridge would last 25 to 35 years.
“However, South Africa is currently facing a situation where all steel fittings in the public areas are being systematically stripped and normal policing is not adequate to cope with this level of vandalism.
He said while the Voortrekker Street Bridge fell within the road reserve of the N12, with SANRAL in charge, the municipality has always done maintenance work on the bridge.
“We have in the past always done maintenance work on the balustrades and repaired when needed.
“Litter picking is done bi-weekly and drain cleaning is done monthly. Formal bridge safety inspections are done yearly. Routine maintenance is scheduled as and when necessary.”
Also Read: Four hurt in Voortrekker bridge crash
