It has been more than a year since the bridge on Cork Avenue started to decay due to flooding at the Bryanfern Spruit in Ferndale.
The bridge has now developed cracks and holes and poses a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
The residents are worried that the bridge should have been repaired long before this problem escalated.
Bronweyn Craig from the Bryanfern Resident’s Association said residents who passed the bridge on a daily basis were worried and feared that it could collapse.
Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood explained that he reported the problem to Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) about a month ago. “They assured me that they will investigate and repair the bridge,” he said.
He further explained that residents could only hope that the City would urgently repair the bridge.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers confirmed that the entity was aware of the problem. “A preliminary investigation and design proposals with recommendations have been completed,” she explained.
She said that based on the observation made, it was concluded that the area is experiencing too much stormwater, causing the structure to have a flow incapacity which is damaging the structure.
“All damaged structures need to be removed and replaced in addition to re-shaping the gabion wall, re-opening the down chute, and de-silting the inlet and removing vegetation,” she continued.
Peters-Scheepers said to date the report with recommendations is awaiting approval with required funding. Once approved, procurement processes will begin.
“JRA will keep the community informed on progress. The entity understands the community concerns regarding the instability of the bridge structure and this is being managed as emergency construction work by the JRA,”she concluded.
Details: Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood, 082 853 2174; Joburg Roads Agency, 0860 562 874 or hotline@jra.org.za.
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