City roads and stormwater agency the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) says the partial closure of the Modderfontein road bridge, between Pretoria road (West) and Wordsworth road, will remain in place until the completion of the rehabilitation works on the northern carriageway, with the southern carriageway open to accommodate counterflow traffic.

The rehabilitation project is being undertaken in two phases to reduce the impact on traffic. The first phase remedial works on the southern carriageway were completed in July 2023.

Rehabilitation works are being undertaken to widen the culvert along the stream which will prevent the overtopping of the Jukskei river onto the bridge deck and ensure the overall structural integrity of the bridge.

The JRA will provide progress updates in due course on the second phase of the project, which is earmarked to be undertaken during the current financial year.

Modderfontein road is a major arterial road that links Johannesburg's Region E and Ekurhuleni and experiences high traffic volumes during peak times, the JRA says.

"Motorists are urged to exercise caution and patience when travelling on Modderfontein road, as well as to adhere to all road signage placed ahead of the construction site," the agency says.

Meanwhile, the JRA has noted with concern the illegal removal of road closure barriers on the northern carriageway. These aim to safeguard road users.

"The public is strongly urged to refrain from tampering with the barriers, and entering the construction site. The closure on the northern carriageway was implemented after assessments indicated that this section of the bridge and road is not structurally safe for vehicular traffic. Unauthorised removal of road barriers and signage, including temporary road traffic signs and barricades used to demarcate roadworks sites, is also illegal," the agency states.

"These safety measures are in place to protect everyone by indicating potential hazards, lane or road closures, and changes in traffic flow.

"By removing or ignoring these signs, motorists risk accidents and collisions, injury to construction workers, increase traffic congestion and legal consequences," the agency emphasises.