Emergency repairs underway on Umzimkhulu River Bridge

Emergency repairs underway on Umzimkhulu River Bridge

Emergency repairs on the Umzimkhulu River Bridge in Port Shepstone will officially begin on Monday afternoon.

Emergency repairs underway on Umzimkhulu River Bridge
KZN Department of Transport

The 67-year-old structure will be closed for six months.

The overpass connects Port Shepstone to areas such as Umtentweni and Seapark and is also used as an alternative route to connect to Durban.

However, prolonged rainfall and floods have caused the bridge piers to rotate, making it unstable and dangerous to motorists.

The work was meant to begin last week but was halted for a meeting over the weekend between KZN's MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma and the town's stakeholders.

 READ: Premier says KZN lacks funds to repair storm damage

KZN Transport spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya said officials have agreed the bridge must be closed for the safety of those who use it.

"We also agreed that will await the National Minister of Transport, Barbara Cressy, to give feedback following a submission requesting her to exempt motorists from paying toll fees," said Sibiya.

"This bridge, which was built in 1958, has really suffered damages as a result of prolonged rainfall. The bridge was built using the old system of caisson, but more than 190 million. Has been set aside for the repair of the bridge."

He said the repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years and more.

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