Blue Bridge repairs set to continue as weather shapes timeline

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08-01-2026
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Rosebank Killarney Gazette
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Ongoing rainfall is expected to influence the pace of repairs to Craighall Park’s Blue Bridge, with officials stressing safety and quality as work moves ahead in the months to come.

As 2026 begins, repair work on Craighall Park’s Blue Bridge is set to continue under close watch, with weather conditions likely to play a decisive role in how quickly the long-awaited project reaches completion.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is expected to proceed cautiously with the repair programme following repeated rainfall disruptions that are anticipated to affect both the construction site and upstream areas of the Braamfontein Spruit.

While earlier estimates had suggested a two-month completion period, officials indicate that such a timeframe will no longer be feasible, with progress now expected to remain weather-dependent.

JRA head of infrastructure development, Kwazelela Mcetywa, said rainfall on site and within the wider catchment area is likely to continue creating unsafe working conditions. Rising water levels in the stream are expected to require construction teams to regularly vacate the watercourse, particularly during and after heavy rain, in order to comply with strict safety requirements.

“These conditions mean that labourers will have to exit the stream whenever rainfall occurs, which will continue to affect the pace of work,” Mcetywa said. “As a result, the original two-month estimate will no longer apply.”

Despite the anticipated delays, the agency confirms that the project budget is expected to remain unchanged. The total cost of the repair work is set at just over R6m, with construction costs calculated at just over R5m.

Pedestrian safety around the site is expected to remain a priority throughout the construction period. The JRA said all required health and safety measures, in line with relevant legislation, will continue to be enforced to protect both workers and members of the public using nearby footbridges.

Once repairs are completed, the bridge is expected to reopen to the public without unnecessary delay. The construction process includes quality control and quality assurance procedures, and the bridge will be reopened as soon as work is completed in accordance with the required engineering standards.

For residents of Craighall Park and surrounding areas, the coming months are likely to require patience.

While progress may be slowed by the elements, officials maintain that ensuring the safety and long-term integrity of the Blue Bridge will remain the priority as the project moves toward completion this year.