KZN Transport Dept closes Umzimkhulu River Bridge for repair work
The bridge will be closed from 3 pm on Monday afternoon, and repairs are expected to span over six months at a cost of R190 million.
The Umzimkhulu River Bridge. Picture: X/KZNTransport
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal has closed the Umzimkhulu River Bridge, on the south coast of the province, from Monday to begin with emergency repair work.
The bridge will be closed from 3 pm on Monday afternoon, and repairs are expected to span over six months at a cost of R190 million.
The department said prolonged rainfall and floods have compromised the structural integrity of the bridge, which connects Port Shepstone to areas such as uMtentweni and Sea Park and is also used as an alternative route to connect to Durban.
Provincial Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the closure of the bridge was necessary to ensure public safety.
He added that motorists have been advised to use alternative routes while the department awaits further feedback from the minister of transport.
"They also agreed that they will await the national Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to give feedback following a submission requesting her to exempt motorists from paying toll fees.
“The bridge was built on the old system of caisson, that is why you now see the piers rotating, which now compromises the integrity of the entire bridge."