Long-awaited upgrades complete on Coedmore bridge
Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter confirmed that the long overdue upgrades to the single lane bridge on Coedmore Avenue in Yellowwood Park have been completed.
AFTER years of the councillor’s requests, begs and fights, the long overdue upgrades to the single lane bridge on Coedmore Avenue in Yellowwood Park have been completed.
This is word from a relieved ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter, who said the major problem was heavy duty trucks passing through the bridge. This is because the thoroughfare is limited in size and weight bearing capacity as well as growing safety concern for motorists and pedestrians.
“The issue of heavy duty trucks became more frequent when the Umhlathuzana Road bridge washed away. While that was being repaired, trucks had to find another route. It has fortunately since been repaired. But even over the years, we’ve always had this problem and it’s been a long fight to try to get more restrictions put in place. Truck drivers simply ignore the height restriction of the plastic poles in place. In the past, we had a truck driver drive through there and he didn’t quite make it, resulting in his trailer destroying the bridge railings. We also had the steel grids used for the pedestrian walkway stolen and that was a danger for pedestrians,” said Hegter.
The first phase towards the upgrades included placing concrete columns on either side of the bridge to restrict the its width. A normal vehicle or a small truck can pass through but no heavy articulated vehicles will be permitted.
“The contractor also put in a decent walkway for pedestrians as they had no other option but to walk on the road. They would then have to jump onto the damaged walkway to get out of a car’s way.
“The second phase was to replace the railings. This was completed just two weeks back. A recycled plastic compound was used instead of steel. With the restriction on heavy vehicles and the new railings, the bridge is a lot safer. The next step is to get suitable signage to advise heavy duty truck drivers that they can’t get through. We want to have it set as far back as the top of Coedmore Road as well as another one on the top of Isleworth Avenue before the trucks can get to Yellowwood Park. This is in the pipeline.
“Thanks to the municipal officials who stepped up and to the contractor for a job well done. I also want to thank the residents for their patience while the work was being done,” he said.
