The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has warned that vandals are causing serious damage to bridges and roads, contributing to the collapse of the metro’s infrastructure.
A recent report showed that only 6% of the city’s 902 bridges are in good condition, and that it will cost roughly R37 billion to repair the others.
The JRA noted that 702 of the City of Johannesburg’s bridges are in either a poor or very poor condition. At least 20 of them are close to collapsing.
Concerningly, the true figures may be higher, as these statistics are based on outdated data.
According to a Sunday Times report, the JRA has a backlog of R276 billion in infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
This includes R90 billion for roads, R37 billion for bridges, and R4 billion for sidewalks.
Former Johannesburg Mayor, Geoff Makhubo, warned that most of the city’s bridges are older than 50 years and require urgent repairs and maintenance.
This includes removing sediment buildup around bridge abutments caused by fast-moving water, which compromises the integrity of the structure.
The JRA also said it was concerned about vandalism on some bridges, as components have been removed, damaged, or tampered with.
In other cases, illegal excavations and fires have compromised the safety of the bridges.
JRA investigates the city’s bridges
On 22 June 2026, the JRA visited several bridges to assess the damage caused by vandals.
It highlighted numerous cases where people had caused damage to the bridges and surrounding area, posing a danger to passing motorists.
Under the M2 bridge, the JRA discovered an illegal excavation that “directly threatened the bridge’s support structures.”
“It compromises the safety of thousands of daily commuters. We must act now to protect our city’s infrastructure from further destruction,” it said.
There was also an illegal business under the bridge. “After educating the owner on the severe safety risks, we halted their operations immediately.”
In another area, the agency found vandalism and fires beneath the bridge structures, posing a threat to the structure’s stability.
“While the bridge currently remains secure, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent long-term erosion and potential infrastructure destabilisation,” it said.
In End Street, under the M2 East Bridge, the JRA assessed the impact of encampments.
“Working with the City’s Social Development team, we are taking steps to safely relocate individuals and secure this vital infrastructure,” it said.
It also visited the Heidelberg Road bridges, where similar problems were discovered.
“Vandalism, infrastructure theft, and illegal encampments are severely damaging critical bridge components and stormwater systems,” it said.
The JRA said these actions are undermining its efforts to restore and improve the city’s road network.
“While our bridges remain structurally safe, we are taking immediate action to address the safety threats observed during the tour,” the agency said.
Vandalised and deteriorating bridges in Johannesburg
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