A bridge collapse led to the closure of N2 at Isipingo, South of Durban.
(The Post News)- Due to a bridge collapse, the N2 near the Joyner Road on-ramp in Isipingo, Durban South, has been closed, and drivers have been urged to take alternate routes.
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Sindi Msimang, the spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate, confirmed that incident and stated that the N2 had to be closed as it was affected traffic. Additionally, Msimang also warned motorists who were stuck on traffic not to try and reverse, citing that doing so can worsen the situation and lead to more accidents. She advised motorists to wait for instructions from traffic authorities.
Meanwhile, Andre Beetge, a local ward councillor, expressed further concern regarding the damage to infrastructure. Beetge asserted that the bridge serves important infrastructure, such as sewage pipelines. Beetge also stated that the bridge collapse was a huge setback for the South Coast, particularly with the holiday season approaching. He further claimed that the bridge may have been weakened by the 2022 storm damage that had gone unnoticed.
According to Trevor Zumani from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), a team of engineers was deployed to evaluate the magnitude of the damage. Zumani stated that the deployed engineers will determine if the cause of the collapse is indeed what they suspect or a bigger concern all the way from the foundation.
Zumani went on to say that if the pier from the foundation had settled, it would be a major issue and would take longer to repair; but if it was simply the bearing that held the bridge together, it would be easier to repair, although it would still require some science.
The timing of the collapse is especially crucial since President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address an imbizo in the area on Friday, November 8. This will be the first presidential imbizo of the 7th administration, under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
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