Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge
A new cable-stayed pedestrian bridge is to be built across the N2, just north of Gateway Shopping Centre, formalizing the existing link of the settlement of Blackburn Village to the Umhlanga New Town Precinct.
The bridge is a welcome addition to the infrastructure north of Durban. The intention is to eliminate unsafe use of the N2 as a pedestrian route, by providing a bridge over the freeway. There have been many lives lost on this section of the N2 as pedestrians try and cross the dual carriageway freeway. The most recent pedestrian survey indicates that over 500 pedestrians cross the freeway daily, mainly during the morning and evening peak periods. The additional traffic generated once the new airport at La Mercy opens will result in this section being even more dangerous to cross. The design allows for the bridge to be an attractive entrance feature along the national road to the northern precinct of Durban, mainly because of the long span required to cross both carriageways of the N2 and the very wide median. The bridge is the first of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal.
J.T. Ross in joint venture with Devru Construction was awarded this project recently, and commenced with civil work in July 2009. The client is the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). The bridge is expected to be complete prior to the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The bridge has been designed and is being supervised by SSI Engineering and Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd. The 177 meter long bridge will span across the N2 freeway, approximately 10 meters above the carriageways. In the centre of the bridge an A-Frame pylon will be constructed to a height of 61 meters from which 70 meter long cables will be used to support the bridge deck.
The pedestrian bridge will be 4.9 meters wide with 2.1 meter high security screens on either side. Provision will be made to protect the cable stays from vandalism and anti-graffiti components will be installed on the pylon and at the entrances to the bridge.
A concrete, paved and protected walkway will extend from the end of the bridge to the Umhlanga New Town road network. As part of this road safety project, new public transport lay-byes will be constructed adjacent to both carriageways as well as the widening to the Flanders subway located just south of the pedestrian bridge.
J.T. Ross and Devru Construction are committed to the high quality of workmanship required on this project and are proud to be involved in what is set to become a striking feature of KwaZulu Natal, and a highly necessary and practical one at that.
Robyn Renzow | JT Ross |
