The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has commenced with the rehabilitation of the Buccleuch Drive Bridge and Jukskei River in Buccleuch, Johannesburg.
The agency has allocated R56 million for the repairs which are expected to be completed in December 2024, approximately 12 months after the JRA first broke ground on the project, subject to favourable weather conditions, said the agency.
The work will include the rehabilitation of the bridge where damages are evident, the widening of the Jukskei River channels to 32.9m, the construction of river embankment erosion protection, and repairs of the construction joints.
“The value of this project is approximately R56 million and will benefit the local economy through the appointment of six Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and a minimum of fifty workers through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP),” said JRA acting CEO, Zweli Nyathi.
Minimal traffic interruption is anticipated as major rehabilitation works will take place along the Jukskei River and the affected sections of the bridge, while there will be minor road surface works.
“The road will remain open to traffic with lane reductions where road works will be carried out,” said Nyathi.
“Regular updates on traffic impact associated with this project will be communicated.”
7 years in the making
The rehabilitation of the Buccleuch Drive bridge has been approximately seven years in the making.
The fixture experienced severe erosion at the embankments following the summer rains that occurred in late 2017 and early 2018, and since then, it has seen further erosion and damage to due to frequent heavy traffic and severe weather.
Once complete, the rehabilitated bridge is expected to bring relief to congestion in Buccleuch as there are only a handful of entry points into the area.
“[I am] pleased that this project has been prioritised for this financial year,” said MMC for Transport, Cllr. Kenny Kunene.
“The rehabilitation of the Buccleuch Drive bridge, which is a link between residential areas and the M1 Freeway, is important in that it will stabilise the embankment and provide safe passageway for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.”
Headlining image: Sandton Chronicle
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