Heavy rainfall on 11 March wreaked havoc as floods pushed concrete barriers over the Gertrude Road bridge.
The significant amount of rain that fell in Joburg the past few days culminated in the bridge on Gertrude Road on the border of Malanshof and Fontainebleau being completely blocked. Due to massive flash floods the Klein Jukskei River under the bridge became blocked up with debris which contributed to the water spilling over the bridge.
The sheer force of the water moved the temporary concrete barriers into the road, blocking any movement of traffic.
The bridge is notorious for floods which saw house perimeters crumbling along the river banks in February last year.
View pictures of the damage here.
City spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said in 2015 that changes in rainfall patterns, due to climate change, have increased the risk of flash floods. Due to the massive floods in 2015 the bridge railings were swept away. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) remedied the situation by places temporary concrete barriers where the railing was missing.
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Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood said, “We contacted JRA last night to help move the concrete blocks with a crane as they weigh tons.” According to Councillor Wood, JRA arrived at around 12.30am to remove some of the barriers.
“Residents abandoned their cars on either side of the bridge so that they could go home to their families,” added Councillor Wood. The JRA team were out in full force in the morning on 12 March. The agency (JRA) used a mini excavator to remove the concrete barriers from the road as well as massive amounts of mud and debris.
Two of the barriers were washed away into the river and are yet to be removed. The massive tree trunks and branches that are blocking the river from flowing will also be removed for fear of another spat of heavy rain.
ER24 who were on scene to check for any injuries warned residents to avoid flooded areas and low-lying bridges. “Remember that heavy downpours or storms can result in trees being uprooted, tree branches being broken as well as other dangerous items flowing onto the road,” said ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing. Keep headlights on and pay close attention to what is happening around you.
