Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is set to embark on a significant rehabilitation programme aimed at enhancing the safety, durability, and functionality of culverts and bridges in the City of Tshwane.
According to South African Government News Agency, this extensive programme will focus on Regions 3 and 4, specifically targeting Wards 107, 66, 55, 48, and 7. The initiative will involve comprehensive repairs and restoration efforts on a number of bridge structures and culverts throughout the city. The rehabilitation is part of the department's Bridge Management System, which aims to preserve critical provincial road infrastructure essential for economic activity and service delivery in Tshwane.
The initiative is designed not only to improve public safety but also to support local economic development and strengthen service delivery. Currently, seven existing bridge structures across Tshwane are the focus of the rehabilitation efforts. These include Bridges B59 and B1015 along the R101 over the Hennops River, south of Valhalla, Bridge B2114 on the gravel Road D775 in the south-west of Atteridgeville, Bridges B637, B649, and B760 on the R511, and Bridge B142 on the R514 (Van Der Hoff Road) in the north-west of Tshwane. The rehabilitation programme is scheduled to be executed over a 12-month contract period.
The scope of the work encompasses a variety of structural repair and rehabilitation activities intended to extend the lifespan of the bridges and enhance road-user safety. These activities include repairing rails and parapets, replacing bridge joints, sealing cracks, resurfacing bridge decks and approaches, installing guardrails, painting steel structures, and constructing road pavement layers.
A structured stakeholder engagement framework was developed to ensure transparent and inclusive participation from all affected wards. This framework was also designed to facilitate a fair recruitment process for community beneficiaries, ensuring equal access to skills development, employment, and local economic opportunities. The engagement involved ward-based stakeholder forums for youth, women, persons living with disabilities, military veterans, and BBBEE entities/cooperatives. The department conducted this process in strict compliance with government policies and legislation on financial management, procurement, and accounting. The comprehensive stakeholder engagement is anticipated to prevent service interruptions that could affect delivery timelines and incur additional costs.
MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela highlighted the department's responsibility in these projects, emphasizing their importance for long-term safety and functionality, ultimately ensuring more reliable infrastructure for motorists, freight operators, and surrounding communities. Residents have been urged to remain patient and understanding during the construction period, while contractors and stakeholders are committed to minimizing inconvenience and ensuring effective traffic management measures are in place.
The department has also called on motorists and the public to exercise caution near construction sites, adhere to temporary road signage, and cooperate with traffic officials to ensure safety during the construction process.