Flood-damaged bridge on track in Yellowwood Park
The Coedmore Bridge is set to be complete by the end of November this year.
CONSTRUCTION work at the flood-damaged Coedmore Bridge in Yellowwood Park is steadily advancing, marking significant progress this week as workers have commenced the installation of pillars, a critical step towards meeting the November completion deadline.
Also read: Coedmore Bridge rebuild expected in 2024
eThekwini Municipality has earmarked a substantial R48 million for the comprehensive construction and repair of the 90m, two-lane bridge, complete with pedestrian walkways.
The bridge was severely compromised during the devastating floods of 2022, necessitating alternative routes for motorists and adding up to 45 minutes of travel time to their commutes.
Ward 64 councillor Gavin Hegter expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction efforts, highlighting the visible strides being made in restoring this vital infrastructure.
“The progress at Coedmore Bridge is commendable, considering the challenges posed by the extensive damage caused by the floods,” Hegter remarked during a recent inspection of the site.
The outgoing mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Mxolisi Kaunda, in a visit to assess the project’s status, said that the construction remains on track to meet the anticipated completion deadline.
The municipality has taken proactive measures, including allocating an additional R1 billion to address damages from the January floods and setting aside R100 million for the maintenance of water, sanitation, electricity and road infrastructure.
Also read: Coedmore Castle: Landmark of Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
In a statement sent by the municipality, Kaunda said, “We are using cutting-edge, integral bridge technology to reduce maintenance costs. The project, with a budget of R48 million, also includes the construction of a 150m road leading to the bridge, implementation of traffic-calming measures and installation of improved surface-drainage systems.”
Funded through the Municipal Disaster Response Grant from the National Treasury, the reconstruction of Coedmore Bridge signifies a pivotal step towards restoring normalcy for residents and commuters affected by the bridge’s closure.
As construction enters its critical phases, residents and stakeholders alike are optimistic that the restored Coedmore Bridge will not only reconnect communities but also enhance the region’s resilience against future natural disasters.
For further updates on the bridge construction and related infrastructure developments, the eThekwini Municipality encourages residents to stay informed through official channels and local announcements.
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