Local councillor questions safety of local bridges

The structural integrity of a portion of the R24 has been brought into question by Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro.

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The section in question is specifically around the Shelton Avenue underpass, namely the concrete barriers above and the concrete pillars supporting the highway.

Apart from Barbara and Edenvale Road off-ramps, Shelton Avenue is the only alternative for motorists to travel from Edenvale to Klopperpark, Isando, Meadowdale, or parts of Germiston.

Highlighting the safety of motorists and community members, Guerreiro believes missing concrete meant to hold barriers along the highway as well as cracks on the base of some of the pillars are signs of danger.

The other bridge in his ward that Guerreiro is concerned about is the Sam Green Road Bridge. He pointed out that the bridge is in a worse condition than the one going over Shelton Avenue.

"One of the challenges is determining, who deals with what, who owns what and who does what.

I’ve spoken to CoE officials and they told me they have had no jurisdiction over the bridge and that it belongs to Gautrans.

"Gautrans owns the bridge it's their responsibility."

Guerreiro said the lights under the bridge do not work.

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"Ekurhuleni informed me that they take control of the lights but they need permission from Gautrans to work on the bridge before they can fix the lights."

Guerreiro said a motorist travelling on the R24 eastbound drove into a barrier on the bridge last year.

"If you look carefully, you can see where some of the concrete has fallen out."

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Walking underneath the bridge numerous small cracks can be seen on several of the supporting pillars.

On the Klopperpark side of the bridge, another concrete barrier could be seen with concrete missing and weeds growing in between the infrastructure.

"My concern is how safe is the bridge, does Gautrans check this bridge and make sure it is safe?"

Guerreiro said irrespective of which level of government the bridge falls under he just wants a safe bridge for the community.

"After the Boksburg incident last year, I would trust that CoE and Gautrans make sure that these bridges are safe."

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Guerreiro said he has enquired with CoE and Gauteng province to determine when last the lights under the bridge worked, as well as who does the maintenance around the bridge.

"I need the lights to work as it gets extremely dark under the bridge."

Another problem that Guerreiro pointed out was that there are no height warnings on either side of the bridge.

He raised concerns that this could lead to a vehicle which is too high, driving into the bridge and causing more damage.

"As far as possible this bridge needs to be safe for the community and the motorists who make use of the road underneath it."

A request for comment was sent to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport on May 31 requesting comment by June 2 at 10:00.

On June 2 the department contacted the publication and said that it was working on a response to the enquiry.

At the time of going to print no comment was received.