The western section of the new Sandspruit Bridge on Katherine Street was completed recently and according to the City of Johannesburg all traffic will be diverted onto this section to demolish the existing bridge and start construction of the eastern section.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is responsible for this project which will result in a higher and wider bridge.

“This project will contribute to the easing of congestion towards the M1 Marlboro intersection, paving the way for the BRT between Alexandra and Sandton as well as better protecting traffic from the Sandspruit River if it floods, “ said Cllr Christine Walters, MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.

When the project is completed, the new bridge will consist of six lanes, of which two will be dedicated for BRT trunk route and four will be for mixed traffic, thus improving capacity.

The Marlboro and Katherine Drive intersection onto the M1 on-ramp will also be widened to provide more capacity.

This will mean that commuters from the north will be able to use Marlboro and thus provide an alternative for the traffic that currently uses Grayston Road off ramp coming into Sandton.

The above upgrades are part of the overall Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure upgrades.

Construction of the eastern section of the bridge will commence in January 2016.

“The design, engineering and construction that has gone into the new bridge is highly complex and has required careful planning,” said Siyabonga Genu, senior executive manager at the JDA.

Throughout the construction process all Occupational Health and Safety and environmental management regulations have been followed and will continue to be adhered to.
The overall completion of the new bridge is planned for July 2016.