Kilburn bridge project well underway – set to be restored in July 2024

Following the closure of the bridge on Kilburn Street which has been cordoned off for about a year now, some good news is on the way as it is under construction and a progress update has been provided by Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) since construction began in September.

According to a media statement issued by JRA in October, they are rehabilitating the Kilburn Street culvert infrastructure and road in Discovery, following a R32 million allocation from the 2023/ 24 Capital Expenditure Budget.

“The project, aiming to be completed in July 2024, will include excavation of trenches, construction of inlet, outlet, junction, and manhole structures, and the construction of gabion earth retaining structures and erosion protection structures. The road was partially closed in 2020 due to a collapsed stormwater culvert pipe. The project aims to improve mobility and alleviate traffic congestion on alternative routes,” the statement read.

• Also read: Johannesburg Roads Agency declares Kilburn Street bridge rebuild set to begin in September

In a recent interview with JRA, it was established that the project is still in its beginning stages.

“We are still moving according to schedule and the scope of works remains the same,” Kelebogile Mafa from JRA said.

• Also read: Johannesburg Roads Agency estimate at least R15m to repair Kilburn Street bridge

Concerned resident and motorist Adila Perumal cited that it was scary and attributed the collapse to the potholes which were not fixed at that point.

“When the road was closed off, it took some time to use back roads. I worry about the roads because of the potholes not being fixed, it might cause the roads to break,” she said.