Provincial roads entity Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is taking steps to progress several projects to mitigate challenges for South African road users, with the latest development the appointment of contractors to upgrade and rehabilitate the Modderfontein bridge, in Johannesburg.

The agency notes that the demolition, construction and upgrade of the bridge will be completed by two separate civil engineering and construction firms: KiT Solutions – formerly known as RMD Kwikform Systems, and Mvhevhe Civils, with the companies considered the employer’s agent and contractor respectively.

JRA says the project will include upgrade work regarding clearing and grubbing; bridge concrete barriers; excavation; construction of a temporary traffic diversion; stormwater pipe culverts, structures and v-drains; gabion baskets and mattresses for erosion protection; surfacing of the bridge deck and approaches; and the proving and relocation of services. The contractor appointment value is about R52-million, and the projected is expected to be completed on July 31, 2026.

The contractor has completed work on the retaining walls, gabions on both sides of the Southern bridge and one side of the Northern bridge, bridge foundations and mass concrete fills, as well as abutments walls and piers. The work for the bridge deck tasks, deck surfacing and the resurfacing of bridge approaches, as well as the completion of the parapet walls, will follow in due course.

Other projects include the demolition and reconstruction of the Pierre road major culvert and low-lying bridge in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, and the upgrading of gravel roads to surface roads in Ivory Park.

The Pierre road project contractor is construction company Pule and Vic Construction Projects, while SMEC South Africa will act as the engineering consultant.

The project is about 92% complete and includes the realignment and relocation of existing encroaching boundary fences and walls, proving – ensuring that work is completed to specification – and relocation, the demolition and removal of the existing culvert structure, as well as the excavation for the new structure’s foundation.

Construction on cast in situ major culvert and bridge and wingwalls, road realignment and new road construction are among other associated construction tasks. The JRA says several streets in the bridge’s vicinity will also be rehabilitated. This project was expected to be completed by May 15, 2026, but is still continuing.

The JRA adds that several small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) are set to benefit from construction tasks, including prefabricated culverts, concrete structures, road signs and markings, fencing, guardrails and gabions.

The Pierre road project is estimated at R3-million.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Park road surfacing project will be carried out by construction company JMS Projects, with Kwagalu Consulting acting as the project consultant.

The project is 87% complete and includes the resurfacing of Freedom drive; Kwinika, Maraka, Ngomane and Rhungulani streets, as well as Mudau Close, which amounts to 1 043 m2 of surfaced area.

This project will also include the upgrading of the stormwater drainage system, the interlocking block installation and kerb installations for enhanced stormwater flow.

The Ivory Park surfacing project will benefit 14 local SMMEs in that region – including three local plant hire companies – and will employ 16 local Expanded Public Works Programme workers. The value of this project is estimated at R30-million.

Once completed, each of the three projects will contribute to improved roads for commuters and logistics fleet drivers, as well as economic empowerment for residents.