Realities of dealing with Buccleuch’s low bridge in the rain
No clear end in sight for Buccleuch’s low bridge flooding and debris regurgitation on rainy days.
The low-level bridge culvert on Bridge Road in Buccleuch has once again shown residents why the region demands urgent attention.
In addition to regurgitating a world of litter and debris when it rains, the low-level bridge also floods – as was once again the case on November 7.
“It’s an irritation as it may cause the bridge to be impassable for vehicle traffic until JRA or the community does a debris clean up,” said Buccleuch Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson Lauren Nightingale. “The litter is a disappointment [for] anyone who understands that water is the single provider of life.”
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Nightingale pointed out that a vehicle which remains inside the Jukskei River beneath the low-bridge is a testament to residents’ attempts at using the bridge pass even during flooding. The association, however, makes it a priority to continue alerting motorists in the area of possible flooding when it rains.
“Unfortunately, the WhatsApp and Telegram and Twitter alert messages we sent out only reach a small portion of Buccleuch residents,” Nightingale said. “So, many are aware of the potential to flood; but don’t get the message until they arrive, and find they can’t cross.”
There is a lot more than just a car inside the Jukskei River, and the range of debris is quite an interesting collection.
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“Too many things,” said Nightingale, listing examples. “Entire home contents, animal carcasses, blankets, toys, shoes, carpets, plastic and polystyrene in abundance, tree trunks, [and] tyres.”
The Johannesburg Road Agency hosted the residents and ratepayers association at the public participation meeting in October that outlined plans for the high-level bridge in Buccleuch.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers had indicated in her response on October 20, that work on the low-level bridge was in the pipeline once all designs, environmental impact assessment, water use licence and the bill of quantities were finalised.
“The low-level bridge in Buccleuch (Bridge Road) requires extensive work, including the reconstruction of a new bridge resting on a newly built foundational alignment,” Peters-Scheepers said in her feedback at the time.
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