The latest safety upgrades aim to eliminate the issue of cars crossing the bridge when flooded as well as keeping the structural integrity of the bridge sound.
Ward 103 councillor, Vincent Earp is pleased with the recent upgrades made to the bridge. “A major issue with the bridge was that people thought they could cross it when flooded. With the installation of the boom gates at either side of the bridge we will see a drastic reduction in property damage and physical injury,” said Earp.
“The boomed gates will be managed by the Bryanston Riverclub Community Forum alongside Cap security.”
Bertha Peters-Scheepers, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Roads Agency told Sandton Chronicle that the agency is nearing completion of the R6.2 million rehabilitation of the low lying bridge in Bryanston, following extensive flood damage experienced during heavy rainfall in January.
“The bridge posed an increased risk to motorists, pedestrians and the local environment as a result of the increased water flow and erosion of the riverbanks during flood conditions, rendering it unsafe,” Peters-Scheepers said.
The rehabilitation of the bridge includes additional safety measures comprising the installation of solar flood lights, safety bollards, cat eyes, gabion baskets to reinforce the riverbanks and prevent soil erosion, concrete reinforcement, traffic roadmarkings, flashing, static and standard road studs and servicing of stormwater drains.
“As part of the agency’s traffic management intervention during flood conditions, the boom gates will be closed during unsafe flood conditions to ensure public safety. The bridge will be launched with the local community upon completion of the project.
“Traffic management of the boom gates has been authorised and approved by the agency’s traffic engineering department.”
Related:
WATCH: Notorious Belgrave Bridge is flooded and boomed off
WATCH: Belgrave Bridge flooded
Belgrave closure sparks opinion
