M2 bridge finally opens to motorists
JOHANNESBURG – Rehabilitation included the demolition and construction of four deteriorated concrete columns.
The M2 bridge that was under rehabilitation for the past eight months and caused major traffic backups in the city centre has officially been reopened to the public in record time.
Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba and the MMC for Transport Nonhlanhla Makhuba officially marked the opening of the bridge at a ribbon cutting ceremony on 31 October which was also graced by Premier David Makhura, former IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) officials.
Mashaba apologised to the residents of the city for the frustration caused during the closure of the bridge since February this year. He said the rehabilitation of the bridge, which had cost R151 million, was an essential undertaking.
“When I stood on this bridge in August last year during inspection, I felt the vibrations and saw the cracks on it. Its rehabilitation was a necessary lifesaving undertaking which could have also had severe consequences on the economy of our city and the country,” said Mashaba.
The rehabilitation process included the demolition and construction of four deteriorated concrete columns and column heads, waterproofing the bridge decks and installing new waterproof bridge joints.
Makhura said he was happy to have joined Mashaba at the opening of the bridge. He added that municipalities, especially the metros, had a very important role to play in the economy and it was important for the spheres of government to work together.
“It doesn’t matter what happens in party politics, we must work together for the city and the country to work. Our country and our economy comes first. When the bridge was closed, I had shivers down my spine and wondered what would happened to motorists driving to different parts of the city. The infrastructure is important to help turn around our economy. Good infrastructure enables people to connect and make the economy work,” said Makhura.
Buthelezi said the opening of the bridge was a fitting way to mark the last day of Transport Month. “Despite the inconvenience, we need to praise the City of Johannesburg and JRA for the timely intervention. The simple rule of transport has been observed – safety first,” he said.
With the R170 million infrastructure backlog in the city, Mashaba said he hoped his successor would carry from where he left off and champion the programme to address the backlog.
Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/244295/the-m2-highway-to-re-open-next-month/
