Five more bridges to be repaired
FERNDALE – JRA prioritises the Cork Avenue bridge at a cost of R15 million.
The reconstruction of the Cork Avenue bridge in Ferndale is estimated to cost in the region of R15 million.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency’s contractor has already started with the construction, which was expected to be completed by the end of April this year.
This bridge has been deteriorating over the past two years with the fear that it could collapse while motorists were driving over it.
Earlier in January this year, it was established that some motorists were using the bridge despite the road closure signage and concrete barriers.
Bryanfern Residents Association initially put up plastic barriers on the road to warn motorists about the state of the bridge.
The agency has prioritised this bridge with another five bridges across the city, which require rehabilitation, reconstruction and repair, following heavy rainfall and flash flooding in early January.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers, the Cork Avenue bridge over the Klein Jukskei River was completely destroyed and would be demolished and reconstructed.
“The existing sewer line and other services are severely exposed due to excessive erosion caused by the failure of the stream crossing. The bridge will require gabion walls on the river bank, along with reshaping and revegetation to prevent soil erosion,” she said.
Peters-Scheepers said retaining walls would be reconstructed, de-siltation upstream and downstream would be undertaken and road signs swept away by the storm water would be replaced.
Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood acknowledged the City’s effort of prioritising the bridge.
He said he would monitor the project until completion.
Bronwyn Craig of the residents association said, “It’s a work in progress and we look forward to Cork Avenue bridge being back in service soon,” she said.
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Details: Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood, 082 853 2174; Joburg Roads Agency, 0860 562 874 or hotline@jra.org.za
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