Belgrave Bridge in Bryanston is still closed and, according to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers, the situation is quite complex.
She explained, “Our engineering consultant has confirmed that three aspects on Belgrave bridge will be attended to, to make the it safe for the public… road marking and road signs; scouring of the bridge and, the lighting.”
The roads agency envisages that repairs will begin early next year, and the agency is currently busy with the emergency procurement of a contractor for the job. “With regard to requests for an interim opening of the bridge, the consultant assessment report emphasises safety risks to road users should the bridge be opened for use. As a result, unfortunately, it cannot be re-opened until all the necessary safety measures have been put in place.”
With regards to the residents’ debate about the permanent closure of the bridge, she said that the road network performs a much wider function than solely providing access to a limited number of residents. “It provides access to and shortens response times for emergency vehicles and provides accessibility to places of work, study and play for many road users from further afield, significantly cutting down on their travelling time.”
According to a Riverclub resident, Jacomein Davidson, the closure has helped reduce crime in the area. In response to this, Peters-Scheepers stressed, “The bridge is not a crime barrier. As reflected by the current road closure, there are substantial congestion implications to the bigger road network. The road infrastructure including Belgrave bridge belongs to the City of Johannesburg and all its citizens, and as such [the agency] cannot allow the bridge to be closed on a permanent basis.”
Bryanston resident, Jen Bedford-Shaw, also had her say on the bridge. “There is a queue of traffic on River Road at the bottom of Hans Crescent. I have been a resident in the area for 36 years and have used the Belgrave Bridge very safely under the various Joburg wet weather conditions, and now, despite being cleared of immediate structural malfunction and consequent danger to motorists, the bridge continues to remain closed.”
However, Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp does not believe that this bridge is safe during heavy rainfall and he explained that smaller cars cannot safely use the bridge when it is overflowing with water.
According to Bedford-Shaw, many commuters face a much longer and unnecessary commute during peak-hour traffic. “The negative impact on many residents in the broader community is immense.”
