Proposals could solve Elgin Road Bridge conundrum

Truck drivers continue to disregard warning signage for the Elgin Road Bridge.

ALSO READ: CoE responds to the Elgin Bridge issue

According to Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison, the largest number of emails received regarding the bridge did not concern the visibility of signage before the bridge but rather whether sufficient signage has been installed on the road leading to the bridge.

She said the visibility of the signs is not the cause of the problem.

“Rather it seems, that the problem is that the signage is blatantly ignored by truck drivers.

“It must also be mentioned that the Elgin Road Bridge belongs to PRASA and the entity also has a responsibility to protect their asset,” said Davison.

She added that a project was initiated by the roads department to enhance signage over and above the prescribes of the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.

ALSO READ: Truck gets stuck under Elgin bridge and causes traffic delays

Davison said an investigation report into the problems experienced at the bridge was recently finalised.

Contained in the report were several proposals including the installation of cantilever structures with overhead variable messaging signage and laser sensors.

She said that the estimated cost to implement the proposal is R8.5m.

“The project is on the department’s wish list and will be considered annually by the Roads and Stormwater Implementation Division for consideration when the CAPEX budget is drafted,” said Davison.

“Unfortunately, at present, no funding is available on the CAPEX budget for this project.

ALSO READ: Elgin Bridge road repairs Phase 1 to kick off tomorrow and continue on Wednesday

“The maintenance of the existing signage is an operational matter that is continuously monitored by the roads and stormwater maintenance division,” she said.

Davison added that if there is a need for maintenance on the existing signage will then be affected through the OPEX budget.

Also follow us on: