Johannesburg Roads Agency estimate at least R15m to repair Kilburn Street bridge

The first tentative steps of the Kilburn Street bridge repair are being readied for the taking.

Following several years of complaints and stifled actions, a bout of severe weather finally forced the hands those in positions of authority. In the early hours of December 9 the slow erosion of the hole on Kilburn Street turned into a sudden surge which resulted in a sinkhole closing the busy arterial. Businesses, residents and commuters have faced inconvenient delays and an eager wait for signs of repair work at the hole.

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Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) have stated that the project to repair the bridge is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2023 and will come at an estimated cost of R15 million. Assessments by the municipal entity show that the severe flooding led to the total structural collapse of the ageing corrugated storm water culvert pipe, compounded by severe embankment erosion.

“An initial design has been completed which includes a new precast box culvert large enough to carry higher capacity loading and maximum water levels,” explained JRA Acting CEO Louis Nel. “The old galvanised metal steel corrugated pipe was severely eroded and became too small to support the 14 metre wide dual carriageway with a central barrier and single sidewalk, as well as the water flow capacity,” added Nel.

One of the most severely affected parties on Kilburn Street is a school situated just metres from the road closure. JRA has removed sections of the centre median in an attempt to streamline traffic from the now dead end which also services a shopping centre.

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“What is frustrating is that our complaints fell on deaf ears for five years and every time we were told there is no budget,” said Principal of The King’s School Discovery, André Bérrangé.

The school’s safety has also been compromised as the hole has left a glaring gap in the boundary fence which used to run along the bridge. Security, vigilance and alertness to possible dangers have been increased but the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We have had people not affiliated with the school come by and ask if we need anything. We are thankful and grateful to the community for their support and understanding,” said Principal Bérrangé.

Standard City of Johannesburg procurement processes are laborious but JRA is leveraging the severity of the situation. “JRA will be appointing a contractor through emergency regulations. In addition, as this bridge culvert falls within an environmentally sensitive area, the JRA has also applied for an emergency application and extension from the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environmental Affairs as ordinarily these applications can take up to 24 months to approve,” stated JRA via press release.

While committed to rectifying the issue as quickly as possible, Nel stated that the early stages of the project left room for adjustments.

Nel concluded, “We envisage a review of the initial design once reconstruction commences and geo-technical studies have been undertaken to verify the soil conditions. This may impact the initial projected R15 million reconstruction cost.”