Inanda Road re-opened

THE bridge on Inanda Road in Hillcrest was opened to the public on Monday 11 November, after it had been closed for construction and repairs for more than two weeks, due to damage caused by the recent heavy rains.

The heavy rains in October eroded the sand under the bridge, which weakened the foundation and caused a section of the bridge to collapse on Monday 28 October.

According to an engineer on site, who wished to remain anonymous, the crew worked around the clock to complete the repairs.

“In normal situations such a repair would have taken months to complete. The bridge is now 100 per cent safe,” said the engineer.

Residents in the area have been frustrated by the traffic congestion caused by the road closure.

Andre Naude, the treasurer of the West Riding Neighbourhood Watch (WRNW), reported that residents were delighted to discover that the bridge had been repaired and re-opened, as most of the residents expected it to be repaired by the end of December.

“We are delighted that the bridge has been repaired, but now our concerns lie with the roads. The trucks have caused extensive damage to the small residential roads used as an alternative route during the road closure. Ashley Road, in West Riding, is only half open due to the repairs being done. The construction is taking place, but in patches. On the left hand lane a knee-deep hole has been dug for construction,” said Naude.

Gordon Andrews, a local resident, praised Martin and East, the construction company awarded the bridge’s repairs project, and all of the construction members on site for their hard work and dedication to the project.

Updates to follow.