Carefully coordinated efforts are required to sufficiently address South Africa’s bridge infrastructure challenges and this encompasses regular maintenance, innovative construction techniques and strategic planning, says construction and demolition contractor Jet Demolition projects and contracts manager Kate Bester.

A Johannesburg Roads Agency report notes that the city’s bridge infrastructure is in a critical state with 78% of the city’s 902 bridges classified as being in a poor or very poor condition. Many built structures are facing issues, owing to ageing, increased traffic loads, flood damage and budget constraints delaying repairs, Bester adds.

Turnkey solutions tailored for rapid response are required to ensure public safety and minimal disruption while supporting the city’s infrastructure recovery efforts. Safety is crucial, she notes, adding that it remains a ‘cornerstone’ of Jet Demolition’s operations, with every project meticulously planned to eliminate risks.

Its projects also entail thorough site assessments, controlled demolition strategies, real-time monitoring, public communication and inter-agency coordination.

Timeframes are often tight, especially during emergency or overnight demolitions. The company, therefore, designs flexible demolition methodologies and deploys backup resources and skilled personnel to adapt to on-site challenges, Bester notes.

“Our demolition methods are engineered specifically for the complexity of each project. They may include mechanical demolition using advanced machinery, the strategic use of controlled explosives, and the integration of cranage and rigging services.”

For overnight projects, such as the Rockdale road bridge, in KwaZulu-Natal, multiple methodology options are developed and double execution teams are deployed, with standby support ensured to meet strict timelines and avoid costly disruptions, she adds.

Outcomes, Sustainability and Safety

The overnight demolition of the Rockdale bridge, which formed part of a major upgrade on the N3 highway and EB Cloete Interchange, was completed over a weekend closure, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to one of South Africa’s busiest transport corridors and resulting in a safer and more efficient route for commuters and freight transport.

Jet Demolition’s “modern machinery and controlled methods” reduce environmental impacts, such as noise and dust. It also integrates environmentally responsible practices, including dust suppression, waste management and recycling, as well as the salvaging of construction materials wherever possible.

“By carefully coordinating works with the main contractor, some activities can be undertaken prior to the onset of demolition works using the contractor’s resources already on site. By only deploying the necessary specialised resources to complement on-site assets, the carbon impact of the project is also reduced.”

Bester adds that, where possible, the main contractor and client reuse rubble resulting from these projects in the immediate vicinity of the works to lessen the environmental burden on natural resources, as well as reduce the carbon emissions associated with loading and hauling these materials away from remote sites.

“At Jet Demolition, we view demolition not just as a service, but as a critical contribution to infrastructure renewal and public safety. With over three decades of experience and a highly skilled technical team, we’re proud to deliver tailored, safe and timely solutions, even under the most challenging of circumstances,” she concludes.