The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) recently completed the R6.2 million rehabilitation of the Belgrave Bridge in Bryanston just in time for the rainy season.

The project, which was initiated after flooding in January 2017, forms part of the JRA’s citywide stormwater management and emergency bridge repair initiative.

The extensive damage caused by the sequential torrential downpours in late 2016 and early 2017 created a safety risk for motorists and pedestrians crossing the Belgrave Bridge.  The rehabilitation included the removal of debris, cleaning of the bridge, the installation of road markings and road studs.

Addressing safety challenges

To address the safety challenges the JRA also invested in solar flood lights, safety bollards, cat eyes, river bank and concrete reinforcement, traffic road markings and flashing and static road studs.

Commenting on the safety measures for the bridge JRA Acting Managing Director, Goodwill Mbatha says the installation of the booms on either side of the low-lying bridge is complete.

“They will allow for temporary closure during flood conditions. JRA is pleased to partner with the Bryanston community, we believe the partnership will foster improved service delivery and safeguard community members. The traffic management and community service level agreements are in place and river bank reinforcements have been carried out with the installation of gabion baskets and desiltation of the river.”