While repairs to the uMzimkhulu Bridge are set to get under way on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (DoT) is looking into a waiver of toll fees on the alternative route N2.

The bridge requires urgent repairs that could take up to six months, said Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) acting spokesperson, Nomusa Zulu. She said motorists will be diverted onto the N2 and the P464 during this period.

“The municipality supports this bold move by the department to protect life and limb. The danger posed by the structural decay of the bridge has been a matter of concern for us all. We will ensure the process is expeditious so we can once again enjoy the smooth flow of traffic in a safe and healthy environment,” Zulu said.

The caucus chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in the RNM, Councillor Leon Garbade, said the KZN MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma has written to the national DoT minister regarding the exemption of toll fees only for the off-ramps. Garbade said the central channels from north to south will not be exempted.

According to Garbade, these repairs need to be undertaken:

⁠ ⁠Pier 2 (column 2) has settled and rotated; repairs to complete structure, repairs to other piers due to foundation failure. (Shifted 150mm towards the ocean)
⁠ ⁠⁠Deck spans 2 and 3 will be rehabilitated.

Garbade stated that a meeting on Wednesday between the KZN DoT, stakeholders, and councillors was fruitful, marking a pivotal moment for improving local infrastructure, particularly concerning the long-neglected uMzimkhulu Bridge.

He said a key point of discussion was the P464, proposed as an alternative route to Port Shepstone.

“We rejected this option due to its unsafe condition, prioritizing the safety of commuters and pedestrians. The DA believes there is only one safe option, that of using the N2 toll road during the repair period. This was a proactive step that seeks to ease the unfair financial strain on commuters while maintaining their safety.”

Garbade said the meeting allowed oversight and accountability at all levels, adding that he has requested for oversight rights and privileges of the project as well as regular progress reports once the construction starts.

Spokesperson for DoT Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the uMzimkhulu Bridge was very old and had been affected by adverse weather conditions, including flooding, for decades. He said engineers, together with Duma, visited the site to assess the damage.

“We decided to rehabilitate the bridge as soon as possible. A follow-up meeting will be conducted on Saturday. Discussions are under way regarding the toll road fees. People rely on public transport and we would not like to burden the poor community with extra costs. There are also businesses and other stakeholders that use this bridge. We do not want to inconvenience them to pay for toll fees,” Sibiya said.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

umzimkhulu bridge repairs

KZN's uMzimkhulu Bridge repairs: N2 toll fees may be waived during 6-month closure