The repair and maintenance work on the CH Mitchell bridge across the Mtamvuna River in the vicinity of Port Edward on the R61 started on 18 October 2023, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said. The contract lasts five (5) months with the anticipated completion date estimated for February 2024.
“The project consists of replacing some structural members, bridge bearing supports, wrapping of supporting cables and painting corroded areas. The bridge joints will also be upgraded and the bridge will be re-surfaced to provide a smooth crossing of the Mtamvuna River,” said Siphesihle Mthembu, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Junior Project Engineer.
During the execution of the maintenance work, the traffic along the bridge will have to be limited to single-lane traffic. For the installation of traffic control facilities, short-duration Stop/Go traffic accommodation will be implemented during the day.
Replacing the bridge bearings will require full closure of the bridge for short periods. The road users will be notified of full road closures in advance of the actual closure taking place. No abnormal loads will be allowed to cross the bridge during the maintenance period, that is from the commencement thereof until the anticipated completion of the work, currently scheduled for February 2024.
“Motorists are advised to take note of the construction activities and to be observant of the warning signs and restrictions when anticipating travelling across the CH Mitchell Bridge,” said Mthembu.
An appeal is made to road users to note and comply with the warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling across the bridge past the maintenance work. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and to make provision for the additional travel time imposed due to Stop/Go situations on the bridge.
