The R3.2 million maintenance and refurbishment work to Knysna’s Red Bridge is finally complete and the bridge is once again open to the public.

The Red Bridge currently supports the main raw water pipeline that conveys more than 80% of Knysna’s potable water from the abstraction point at Charlesford to the town.

Corrosion of this metal structure necessitated the recent works. “Corroded elements needed to be replaced and the entire structure has now been protected against corrosion,” says Knysna Deputy Executive Mayor, Esmé Edge.

“While the bridge was cleaned by abrasive blast cleaning, great efforts were made to ensure that we contained any potential pollution of the estuary and also minimised the amount of noise associated with an operation of this nature.”

An additional pipeline will be installed in the future to assist in managing the area’s increasing demand for potable water. “We are committed to providing our residents with clean water,” Edge continues.

“Our region experienced a major drought in 2009/2010 and we have already done a lot to ensure that our residents have sufficient access to potable water – even at times of drought. The refurbishment of the Red Bridge and the envisaged additional pipeline prove this commitment: our commitment to creating a town where people and nature prosper.”

Edge thanks the teams from Southey Construction, Aurecon, Sharples Environmental Services, OHS Consultants, along with all other role players and affected parties for their part in completing this project.