12th avenue bridge, Rivonia, Bryanston, Petervale, bridge, jra, chris SantanaPetervale, Bryanston and Rivonia residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the bridge on 12th Avenue has finally been reopened.
Johannesburg Roads Agency’s Infrastructural Development Unit confirmed that the bridge was reopened to the public on 26 March, ending a year-long wait.
The bridge was initially closed to the public on 12 March last year by the City entity for safety concerns after a number of residents and motorists reported increased potholes, cracks and even a sinkhole on and around the bridge.
According to resident and active member of the community Lita Jacobsen, the bridge was not safe for anyone to drive on, let alone walk over, which was a great concern because the bridge was being used by dozens of motorists every hour.
When the contractor to rehabilitate the bridge was first appointed in November last year Johnson said, “I am happy that our outcry has finally [fallen] on listening ears and something is being done to address this issue of the dilapidated bridge. I hope that the project will be finished in time.”
As part of the project, the roads agency also employed eight small SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to assist the main contractor with construction activities.
JRA spokesperson Kelebogile Mafa said that the scope of the work entailed repairs of the damaged stormwater drain system of the road and the bridge into the river – the damage which had resulted in the sinkhole.
“The reconstruction of the stormwater system and repairs of the layer works have been finalised. The bridge is currently useable, however, there are final works taking place under the bridge,” said Mafa.
Ward 106 councillor Christopher Santana shared his gratitude for the project’s completion as it was particularly frustrating with a lack of information and updates from the JRA. “To the residents, I wish to apologise on behalf of the City of Johannesburg for the continued delays and wish all road users that use the 12th Avenue Bridge safe travels,” he said.
Jacobsen added that although the bridge is yet to be fully completed, it is great to see the bridge reopen and cars driving over the Braamfontein Spruit.
She added that the next hurdle for the JRA will be the potholes on the Rivonia-side of 12th Avenue. “Because of all the heavy machinery, trucks and heavy loads coming, the number of potholes has increased and will definitely pose a serious risk when traffic returns to the area,” she concluded.
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