Bryanston residents’ concerns over heavy rainfall have been washed away after the completion of the R6.2 million flood mitigation measures for Belgrave bridge.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) embarked on the rehabilitation of the bridge following flooding in January, which rendered the low-lying bridge unsafe. According to the agency, the project, which forms part of its citywide stormwater management and emergency bridge repair projects, included the installation of boom gates to safeguard the public during flood conditions.
The agency reported that sequential torrential downpours late last year and this year resulted in extensive damage and safety risks which warranted the implementation of flood mitigation measures.
After consultation with Bryanston community members, it was decided to introduce additional safety measures. As a result, the Bryanston community and the agency entered into a formal agreement for the installation and management of boom gates during unsafe flood conditions.
The erosion of river banks, sedimentation, turbidity and increased water flow posed a risk to motorists and pedestrians.
Spokesperson for the agency, Bertha Peters-Scheepers said that rehabilitation commenced with the removal of debris, cleaning of the bridge, installation of road markings and road studs. Solar flood lights, safety bollards, cats’ eyes, concrete reinforcement, traffic road markings, flashing and static road studs and the servicing of stormwater drains.
Acting managing director for agency, Goodwill Mbatha said, “The installation of the booms on either side of the low-lying bridge is complete. They will allow for a temporary closure during flood conditions.
“JRA is pleased to partner with the Bryanston community. We believe the partnership will foster improved service delivery and safeguard community members. The traffic management and community service level agreements are in place and the river bank reinforcements have been carried out with the installation of gabion baskets and desilting of the river.”
The agency and Bryanston community have signed a traffic management agreement.
It includes the following conditions:
- The booms must be in the down position and secured throughout the closure period
- Temporary mobile road traffic signs must be provided to inform motorists of the road closure
- Once safe crossing conditions have been established, the booms must be placed in an upright position and secured. The time of the temporary closures may vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the prevailing weather conditions
- Failure to comply with the listed conditions will result in the removal of the booms.
The public is advised to follow the agency on Twitter @MyJra or on the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s Facebook page for information on latest developments, journey planning tips, alternative routes and traffic advisory.
