Widened Maalgate Bridge R102 Officially Opened

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Mr Tertuis Simmers, today, officially opened the widened Maalgate Bridge on the R102 outside George.

“This R54.9 million Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) contract to widen the bridge over the Maalgate River on the R102 on the downstream side, about 15km from George, was challenging and was delayed due to factors ranging from contractual processes to terminated contracts of non-performing contractors, as well as unprecedented weather scenarios during the construction period,” said Jandré Bakker, DOI Director of Operational Support. Despite these challenges, Bakker said the project had been successful. “The project was designed in such a way that it matches the aesthetics of the original bridge, which was constructed in 1938. The existing bridge is a three-span reinforced concrete arch with spandrel walls,” Bakker added.

“The scope of work included realigning, rehabilitating and resurfacing a portion of the R102 to accommodate the new centreline of the bridge. Existing concrete-lined side drains were rebuilt, and new subsoil drains were installed. Cofferdams around piers and abutments were constructed to enable the bridge widening”, Bakker continued.

Other works included excavating down to rock for pier and abutment foundations, reinforcing and casting concrete, relocating existing services in ducts across the bridge, moving guardrails and installing new ones, as well as installing road signs and road markings following the surfacing.

Minister Simmers stated: “The last works that were completed were the building of the side drains, the widening of the embankment toes, installing the protection works and road surfacing. What was also important was installing erosion protection”.

“I am pleased to announce that the project created 120 short-term work opportunities against a target of 50. We created 10 612 person-days of work against a target of 5800. The project performed according to its contract participation goal of spending R8 million on procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises. Three emerging contractors benefited from the project as per our target and six local enterprises benefitted against a target of four”, Minister Simmers continued.

“This project was challenging, with the initial contractor terminated for poor performance – the same contractor who left another very prominent project nearby unfinished as well. But through the work-ethic of our team, we faced each setback and pulled it through despite the odds against us,” Minister Simmers added.

“I want to thank the road users for their patience during this project which took longer than planned due to factors beyond our control. While we proactively manage projects and identify risks, once one reaches a point where you need to terminate a contract there are contractual processes that take time and then time to appoint a new contractor is also required. I am proud of the team’s determination to see this project through,” Minister Simmers concluded.