Infrastructure Crisis: 80% of Johannesburg’s Bridges at Risk of Collapse
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has issued a dire warning about the state of Johannesburg’s bridges, revealing that 702 out of 902 bridges are in poor or very poor condition. This alarming statistic translates to 80% of the city’s bridges being at risk of collapse if immediate action is not taken. According to the JRA, the deteriorating state of these critical structures indicates an infrastructure crisis and puts lives and the economy in jeopardy, requiring urgent rehabilitation and upgrading.
Bridges in Imminent Danger of Structural Failure
JRA officials have confirmed that many of the city’s bridges are in “imminent danger” of structural failure, with less than 10% of their useful life remaining. These bridges, scattered across Johannesburg, including areas like Roodepoort, Randburg, Lyndhurst, Soweto, and Florida, are part of a growing concern about the safety of public infrastructure. The Visual Conditions Index (VCI) used by the JRA categorizes bridges on a scale from “very good” to “very poor.” Unfortunately, the majority now fall under the “poor” or “very poor” categories.
Budget Constraints and Neglect Take a Toll
The JRA has admitted that limited funds are one of the primary reasons for delayed maintenance and repairs. The agency’s capital budget for 2024-25 is R795 million for road infrastructure projects, but only R89.5 million has been allocated specifically for bridge rehabilitation. With the high cost of repairs and competing infrastructure needs, the JRA has been struggling to keep up.
While four bridges have already been closed—such as Buccleuch Avenue and Platina Road—another 23 bridges may face closure if their conditions worsen. Motorists and pedestrians face growing risks as bridges degrade further, and the closure of these critical routes will likely worsen traffic congestion.
A History of Neglect and Oversight Issues
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has criticized the state of Johannesburg’s infrastructure, blaming “poor leadership” and “weak oversight” within the JRA for the neglect. Outa’s CEO Wayne Duvenage points out that maintenance issues date back decades, with many bridges in disrepair for over 20 years. He expressed frustration with the misallocation of funds, alleging that municipalities and provinces pay up to three times the proper cost for road projects, with too many middlemen involved in the process.
“The money is there, but it’s being wasted,” Duvenage said. “We need better leadership and accountability to reverse the degradation of our infrastructure.”
Motorists Suffer from Infrastructure Failures
Local motorists have borne the brunt of Johannesburg’s deteriorating roads and bridges. Lungile Khumalo, a taxi driver operating in Florida, shared his frustrations about the lack of maintenance:
“The roads and bridges haven’t been fixed in over 20 years. They’ve become death traps. I’ve had to replace ball joints, tires, and bearings because of potholes and broken bridges.”
Another driver, Senzo Shezi, described the dangerous conditions during rainy weather, when water covers potholes, making them almost impossible to avoid. He lamented that poor road infrastructure not only damages vehicles but also increases the risk of accidents.
Repair Efforts Face Delays
The JRA acknowledges that bridge rehabilitation is a lengthy process. It involves detailed inspections, design work, and regulatory approvals that can take several months. Unfortunately, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints have slowed down the pace of repairs. Even when the need for rehabilitation is identified, projects can only proceed when funding becomes available in the allocated year.
Despite these challenges, the JRA insists that efforts have been made to address the city’s infrastructure problems, including the reopening of the M1 South Bridge between Smit and Carr Streets. However, with an increasing number of bridges falling into disrepair, residents remain skeptical of the agency’s progress.
A Call for Accountability and Urgent Action
Community members and organizations like Outa are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of Johannesburg’s infrastructure budget. They argue that funds should be spent efficiently to ensure that bridge repairs and road maintenance are prioritized. Without swift action, Johannesburg risks further economic losses, as well as tragic accidents caused by collapsing infrastructure.
The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and sound governance. JRA officials warn that continued delays could lead to catastrophic bridge failures, further endangering lives and disrupting transport routes.
The Johannesburg Road Agency’s report that 80% of Johannesburg’s bridges are at risk of collapse highlights the city’s infrastructure crisis. With limited funds, bureaucratic delays, and a history of poor oversight, the road ahead is challenging. Urgent interventions are needed to prevent potential tragedies and restore public confidence in the city’s infrastructure. The fate of Johannesburg’s bridges now depends on whether the city can overcome financial hurdles and implement effective maintenance strategies before it’s too late. For more updates, visit Gauteng News.
