Warning: PTA bridge coming down!

Pretoria - Motorists and residents should expect a complete closure of the N1 at Waterkloof this weekend and rerouting of traffic due to the demolition of the Erasmusrand pedestrian bridge.

The pedestrian bridge next to Solomon Mahlangu Drive has been damaged beyond repair, leaving the South African National Roads Agency Limited no option but to demolish it.

The demolition will be carried out on Saturday from 9pm and continue until about 9am on Sunday.

In an effort to cause the least disruption to traffic using the highway, two lanes in both directions will be closed from 9pm to 11pm on Saturday night to allow time for establishment of the cranes.

The freeway will then be totally closed from Rigel Avenue to the R21 interchange until 7am on Sunday day to allow the safe demolition of the bridge.

Subsequently, there will be a partial reopening of lanes under the bridge thereafter until 9am while workmen de-establish the cranes and clean up the site.

During the total closure period, traffic will be diverted west on to the R21, east to Solomon Mahlangu Drive, and north to the R50 before rejoining the highway at Rigel Avenue.

Residents of the city have been asked to be tolerant as some noise will be inevitable during the night.

The matter has its roots in the incident in which the bridge was hit by a truck. The situation was reported to the City of Tshwane, but later referred to Sanral, which is responsible for the bridge and highway.

An estimated 500 pupils of Hoerskool Waterkloof have for years used the bridge to walk across to school and back home. It was closed months ago over safety concerns.

Also read: Grayston bridge collapse inquiry on hold

Project manager Allen Agaienz said various options were considered before a decision was taken to demolish the bridge. However, none was sustainable.

Following its closure, Sanral organised a temporary alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists on the adjacent Solomon Mahlangu Bridge.

A contractor was appointed to install supporting infrastructure to ensure the damaged bridge would remain stable.

The bridge was constantly monitored by a team of engineers appointed by Sanral to ensure it remained stable and that public safety was not compromised.

Engineers determined that the bridge was too badly damaged to be repaired cost effectively.

Agaienz said they chose the best, safest and fastest demolition method in order to minimise the potential impact on road users, environment and neighbouring residents.

“We request residents in that area to be patient during this period and not be alarmed when they hear occasional noise coming from the site,” he said.

“We have appointed a highly skilled contractor who has carried out many similar projects in the past, and are confident that this intricate operation will proceed safely and successfully.

“The whole operation has been meticulously planned by our experienced engineers and the safety of everyone has been our top priority during the planning process.”