The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has officially begun rehabilitating seven bridges along provincial routes in the City of Tshwane.
The project forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to preserve critical road infrastructure, improve road safety, support local economic development and strengthen service delivery across the province.
“Our provincial road infrastructure is essential to the movement of people, goods and services. Through this rehabilitation project, we are taking practical steps to preserve our bridges, improve their structural condition and ensure that they continue to serve our communities safely and efficiently.
“Maintaining this infrastructure is critical to supporting economic activity and improving the quality of life of our residents,” MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said.
The rehabilitation of the bridges was marked by a sod-turning ceremony on Tuesday, attended by the MMC for Roads and Transport in Tshwane, Councillor Tlangi Mogale.
The rehabilitation of the seven bridges aims to restore their structural integrity and bring them to an acceptable standard, ensuring they continue to serve motorists, pedestrians and surrounding communities safely and reliably.
Diale-Tlabela said the project demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that Gauteng’s road network remains safe, functional and supportive of economic activity.
“Our provincial road infrastructure is essential to the movement of people, goods and services. Through this rehabilitation project, we are taking practical steps to preserve our bridges, improve their structural condition and ensure that they continue to serve our communities safely and efficiently. Maintaining this infrastructure is critical to supporting economic activity and improving the quality of life of our residents,” she said.
Implemented in line with the Department’s Bridge Management System, the project will involve a range of rehabilitation and maintenance interventions tailored to the condition and requirements of each bridge.
These include repairs to existing bridge rails and parapets, painting of steel structures, replacement of bridge joints, crack sealing, and repairs to spalled concrete.
Additional work will include the widening of selected bridges and road approaches, resurfacing of bridge decks and approaches, installation or improvement of guardrails, and construction of road pavement layers where required.
The bridge structures earmarked for rehabilitation are located along key provincial routes within the Tshwane Regional District, as well as areas to the northwest of Tshwane. They include:
- Bridges B59 and B1015: Located along the R101 over the Hennops River, south of Vhalala.
- Bridge B2114: Located along gravel road D775, southwest of Atteridgeville.
- Bridges B637, B649 and B760: Located along the R511, southwest of Atteridgeville.
- Bridge B142: Located along the R514, also known as Van der Hoff Road, northwest of Tshwane.
Diale-Tlabela emphasised that maintaining bridge infrastructure is an important component of the provincial government’s broader road infrastructure programme, particularly in ensuring the continued reliability of routes used by commuters, businesses and freight operators.
“Bridges are vital links within our road network, and their deterioration can affect mobility, safety and economic activity. By rehabilitating these seven structures, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure and helping to ensure that our roads remain dependable for the communities and businesses that rely on them every day,” the MEC added.
The project is also intended to contribute to local economic development through infrastructure investment and the potential economic opportunities associated with construction activities.
The Department will continue to prioritise the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure as part of its responsibility to deliver safe, reliable and accessible transport networks.
Diale-Tlabela called on road users to remain alert and exercise caution when travelling through areas affected by construction activities, where temporary traffic management measures may be implemented to facilitate the works and protect road users and construction personnel.
“Infrastructure development is not only about building new roads and bridges; it is equally about maintaining and extending the useful life of the assets we already have. This project reflects our commitment to responsible infrastructure management, improved public safety and better service delivery for the people of Gauteng,” she said. -SAnews.gov.za
