Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge
Construction of the 177 meter long Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge in KwaZulu Natal, is on track for completion in May 2010, prior to the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The first of its kind in KwaZulu Natal, the cable stayed bridge, spanning over the N2, is a welcome provision for pedestrians travelling between Blackburn Village and the Umhlanga New Town Centre. J.T. Ross in joint venture with Devru Construction commenced with the project in July 2009 for client South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
The deck of the bridge is soon to be completed with the last of the concrete deck sections having been cast in March 2010. The A Frame pylon in the centre of the bridge reaches 60 meters upwards and the attached cable stays used to support the deck structure will be approximately 70m in length. These support cables, running between the A Frame pylon and the bridge pedestrian deck, will be tensioned with a hydraulic jack to support the bridge. Security screens will run along either side of the deck at a height of 2.1 meters, ensuring safe passageway for pedestrians crossing the bridge, which is elevated at 10 meters above the north and south bound carriageways. A concrete, paved pathway is also being constructed to run from Blackburn village to the bridge and continue on the opposite bank running from the bridge to the Umhlanga New Town Centre.
Besides the visual appeal and unique technical features of the bridge, the project has created employment opportunities for the residents of the Blackburn Village community. J.T. Ross has provided on site training for local carpenters and scaffolders and the joint venture has participated in various community projects with SANRAL and SSI Engineering. A bridge building competition, initiated by SSI Engineering, was held toward the end of 2009. School children from the Blackburn Village community were challenged to put together small scale bridges using toothpicks and sweets, exposing them to the underlying theory and technical principles involved in bridge construction.
Ikusasa Lami is a further initiative whereby learners from previously disadvantaged communities will work with the J.T. Ross team on site to gain exposure into the fields of Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Construction.
As construction of the bridge and the walkway leading to Umhlanga New Town Centre nears completion, preparations are underway to light the bridge at night. The South African flag will be placed at the peak of the A Frame pylon and will fly proudly, marking Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge as a landmark feature within the new South African landscape.
Press Release, Robyn Renzow - JT Ross
ERNEST ROPER | WEBMASTER |
