The Blue Bridge in Delta Park, a vital access point for our community and a key crossing for people entering our suburbs from across the Braamfontein Spruit, has suffered severe structural damage due to the flooding on Wednesday, 5 March. It was further damaged in a storm on the 26th March where the bridge was again flooded. An independent structural assessment, facilitated by the CRA, confirms that the bridge is at immediate risk of further collapse, posing a serious public safety hazard.
Independent Structural Assessment: Critical Safety Risks Identified
Following the flooding, a CRA-facilitated engineering assessment has found:
- Visible sagging of the concrete-steel deck indicates failure of a key support cable or movement of the main pylon.
- The Marlborough Avenue side abutment has been undermined, and its approach apron has shifted by at least 3 cm, indicating structural instability.
- The bridge may no longer be functioning as a suspension bridge, meaning it is under increased stress and at risk of further subsidence or total collapse into the river.
- Surrounding riverbanks are highly unstable, with collapsed gabions and severe erosion, creating additional hazards—especially for pedestrian, cyclists, and dog walkers who frequent the area.
Given these urgent risks, the bridge has been cordoned off.
History of Concerns & Lack of Action
For over five years, Ward 90 Councillor Martin Williams has repeatedly flagged structural concerns and called for action:
- February 2020 – Erosion and structural weaknesses first raised.
- January 24, 2023 – JRA inspection confirmed structural failures, including collapsed gabions and riverbank erosion.
- March 5, 2025 – Heavy flooding results in catastrophic structural failure, with the bridge now deemed unsafe for use.
Despite multiple warnings, no meaningful intervention was undertaken. The failure mechanism suggests serious structural deficiencies that should have been addressed years ago.
Next Steps & CRA Commitment
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), which is responsible for the bridge, has performed an official inspection and cordoned off the bridge. In the meantime, the CraigPark Residents’ Association (CRA), is doing the following:
- Advocate for a temporary pedestrian crossing while a permanent solution is assessed.
- Work with Ward 90 Councillor Martin Williams to demand urgent intervention.
- Call for urgent riverbank stabilization and gabion repairs to prevent further erosion and safety risks.
- Set up a taskforce to find a suitable solution working together with the JRA.
What You Can Do
- Avoid using the bridge immediately – it is not safe.
- Stay informed – CRA will provide updates as we push for action.
- Support our efforts by engaging with local authorities and reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
This is not just an issue for Craighall Park; the bridge serves residents and visitors from across the Spruit. It should not have taken a disaster for action to be taken.
A project taskforce has been established and is currently exploring viable solutions and funding options to replace the bridge as soon as possible. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
