Extended delays for repairs to Greymont Bridge

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10-06-2025
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Northcliff Melville Times
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Johannesburg Roads Agency revealed the structural failures, budget constraints, and the preconditions that need to be met before construction can start, further delaying repairs.

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has provided much-needed details on the long closure of the Greymont Bridge, revealing the extent of structural damage and processes to follow for its urgent repairs.

The bridge spans West Road, and an inspection by JRA revealed serious structural damage beneath the bridge, making it dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians. The acting head of the Department for Infrastructure Planning, Khaya Gqibitole, said, “Heavy rainfall overwhelmed the culvert’s drainage capacity, causing embankment washouts and accelerating the overall degradation of the structure.

“The damage was significant enough to classify the site as structurally unsound, prompting closure to ensure public safety.”

The repair had been classified as a priority emergency intervention by the city, emphasising the seriousness of the damage. JRA has finalised a detailed engineering design, and Gqibitole said that the entity would hand the project over to the city’s Department of Infrastructure Development for execution.

“Until funding becomes available and all approvals are secured, we cannot move forward with physical work on-site.”

JRA has outlined several critical preconditions that have to be confirmed before a shovel hits the ground:

• Administrative handover: The approved engineering plans are now set to be handed over to the Department of Infrastructure Development, which will take the lead on procurement, including the appointment of contractors through a formal tender process.
• Environmental approvals: The project still requires clearance through an environmental impact assessment and a water use licence application. These are non-negotiables, under national law, and are necessary to ensure ecological compliance.
• Budgetary constraints: The project has been earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year, meaning it may not receive the green light until then. While it remains on the city’s priority list, it competes with a growing backlog of other critical infrastructure needs.
• The relocation of a City Power pylon is required before construction can commence. JRA is in active discussions with City Power to fast-track this process.
• Completion of construction: Once all approvals and funding are secured, a contractor will be appointed, and work will begin.

Gqibitole assured that JRA was working with all stakeholders, ranging from City Power to environmental regulators, to complete all the necessary steps. “Once budget approval is secured and contractors are appointed, construction will begin, though an exact start date remains uncertain.”

The timeline for completion will be communicated once construction commences.

Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe said very little funding had been allocated to JRA in the budget, especially for the rehabilitation of bridges. “It is unacceptable that in a budget of close to R90b, they do not prioritise basic services, like fixing a bridge [Greymont], that is causing extended damage to the surrounding properties.”