The Umbogintwini River bridge, on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, is part of the R50-billion upgrade programme of the N2 and N3 freeways in the province, and advanced engineering technology will in future prevent the kind of failure of concrete bars that led to its temporary closure.

“The supports between the pier and the deck were built using a very old style of design. It was done in the 1960s and is not done anymore. When we upgrade this section, this will be replaced entirely,” said South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) Eastern regional manager Dudley Mbambo.

“These are concrete bearings that have steel bars inside, which have now corroded. We now use steel bearings.”

Hydraulic jacks will be used to lift up the collapsed part of the bridge that will be ready for use again within three to four weeks, he highlighted.

Meanwhile, traffic is being rerouted through Athlone Park and Amanzimtoti for normal traffic and industrial lines for trucks.

Mbambo this week briefed Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa about wear and tear challenges on old concrete bearing structures on Sanral-managed roads.

Hlengwa appealed for public patience and understanding during the repairs.

“From the briefing I have received, there will be two sets of interventions. The first, at the earliest convenience, is to lift the bridge up as there is no damage structurally. It was the wear and tear elements which had broken down and now require replacing,” he said.

“The technical team at Sanral is currently seized with an assessment as to how speedily they can do that. Sanral intends to ensure traffic resumes travelling on this road within a period of three to four weeks.

“In January, there will be wholesale repairs to the damage that has been done,” he added.

Further, new bridges are being built and carriageways expanded to accommodate additional lanes.

Procurement processes are under way for the major upgrade of this section of the N2 between Moss Kolnick and Isipingo south of Durban.

Besides the widening of the bridge, the existing two lanes will be increased to four in each direction.

Sanral conducts regular inspections of all its structures, including bridges. The most recent assessment as part of its bridge management system was completed in February for the entire country, noted Mbambo.