Councillor wants bridge reopened
RIVERCLUB - Belgrave Bridge has been closed off but Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp, believes this is a bad idea.
Earp said, “After consultation with Joseph Modisaotsile of the Johannesburg Roads Agency and residents on site last Thursday, Joseph agreed to motivate with management at the agency to reopen the bridge. We have asked the roads agency to consider certain safety measures when doing remedial action on the bridge. [Modisaotsile’s] appeal to management should have been sent some time on 24 October,” said Earp.
Earp’s appeal to the roads agency stated, “Approximately 35 days ago, on 16 September, we received notification from the Johannesburg Roads Agency that the Belgrave Bridge would be closed for repairs. Work has not yet started on the bridge, which is putting enormous pressure on the roads within the area and causing incredible congestion on all approaches to the Ballyclare and Bryanston Drive bridges.”
Click here to read: Blocked bridge angers resident
He further highlighted that, based on several meetings that he has held with the agency and two civil and structural engineers from the local community, the consensus is that the bridge is in good working order and should be opened until such time as the minor structural repairs can take place. According to Earp, it is expected that repairs will take less than a week.
His appeal continued, “Ideally, residents and commuters would like the bridge reopened until such time as the contractors are ready to start the repair work. At that point, the community will work with the Johannesburg Roads Agency to ensure that the closure is clearly communicated to road users, along with expected timelines for reopening.”
He also put to the agency that the community would like certain factors to be considered as part of the project. “The community needs active cat’s eyes fixed to both the bridge and the approach to the bridge to improve visibility to road users. Alternatively, swing booms need to be installed, which can be closed during heavy rains to stop road users from attempting to cross the bridge.”
He highlighted that improved road markings and signage at all approaches to the bridge are essential. “Reinstate stop signs and remove unneeded or faded sign boards. We need to introduce lighting and a painted pedestrian crossing for our fellow citizens to cross safely.”
He concluded that, according to him, the bridge is not in danger of collapse and, therefore, should be reopened.
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