The East Road Bridge along the N12 freeway near Eldorado Park is now open. The local businesses along the N12 freeway can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Gauteng Department for Roads and Transportrepaired the East Road Bridge at a cost of US$750,852.
Effects of the closure
The closure of the bridge negatively affected the businesses in the area as traffic had to be diverted to other routes which are costly and time consuming.
The 60-year-old bridge sustained damage when a truck carrying a load exceeding the permissible height restrictions hit its top structure, leading to closure of the bridge.
According to Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, the bridge damage is another example of how overloading of freight trucks and disregard for height restrictions continue to cause untold damage to road infrastructure and pose a serious risk to other road users.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport has a responsibility to improve mobility and accessibility in Gauteng. The department also develops transport and socio-economic infrastructure that helps residents to participate meaningfully in economic and social activities.
The Department’s vision is to develop an integrated, sustainable infrastructure that promotes people-centred, innovative, developmental public works; plus an accessible, safe and affordable movement of people, goods and services.
