JRA spends over R10 Million on bridges

Construction work on the M1 and M2 has been completed and motorists can now enjoy a smooth driving surface on both highways, without experiencing major hassles.

According to the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the major road works replaced aging expansion joints and road rehabilitation on the bridges.

The agency’s head of infrastructure development, Mpho Kau, said the work entailed the replacement of old expansion joint systems and the construction of new ones on Chilvers Street, Crown Interchange (I/C), Heidelberg Steel, Heidelberg I/C, Treu Road, Joe Slovo and the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

“The majority of the joints consisted of concrete nosing and neoprene compression seal. The cost of this work amounted to approximately R10 million. This work became necessary as many years of heavy truck, bus and vehicle traffic have taken a toll on the expansion joints approaching downtown,” explained Kau.

Kau added the repair work done on the Nelson Mandela Bridge included the replacement of broken glass panels, sealing of leaking access manholes and walkway joints closure plates, and greasing of pendulum bearings.

He noted continuous challenges affecting the functionality of roads, especially on bridges.

“Fires are lit in the bridge chambers by vagrants. These fires cause damage to the expansion joints and bearings. A further challenge for the City’s road network is the theft of road signs, guardrails and steel barriers,” he said.

Residents and motorists are urged to report all acts of vandalism and theft to the Metro police or South African Police Service or contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre on 0860-562-874.