Communities reunited as R71 million Shallcross bridge officially opens
The award-winning infrastructure project serves as a critical link within Durban’s southern road network, connecting the communities of Shallcross and Queensburgh.
A sense of jubilation filled the air as the mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Cyril Xaba, officially unveiled the R71 million Blundell Bridge and road infrastructure project, last week.
The infrastructure was damaged and required rehabilitation after severe damage was caused by the 2022 floods.
The award-winning infrastructure project serves as a critical link within Durban’s southern road network, connecting the communities of Shallcross and Queensburgh.
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Mayor Xaba said the Blundell Bridge and Road development is one of many infrastructure projects that the city has restored and upgraded through internal funding and allocations from the National Disaster Relief Fund.
He added that the municipality is committed to ensuring that all rebuilt infrastructure complies with modern engineering standards.
“We will ensure that all infrastructure can withstand future flooding and severe weather conditions. We are building climate-resilient infrastructure. This bridge has been designed to withstand storms with a one-in-100-year return period,” commented Mayor Xaba.
The Blundell Bridge in Shallcross was valiantly rebuilt by the community before the eThekwini Municipality began its project.
He stated that the previous crossing had significant limitations.
“It was narrow, lacked pedestrian facilities and modern safety features, and was highly vulnerable to flooding. The upgraded infrastructure includes approximately 450 metres of newly constructed roadway. The bridge is 90 metres long and 14 metres wide, accommodating two full traffic lanes as well as dedicated pedestrian walkways,” he added.
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Mayor Xaba commended the city’s engineering directorate for its dedication in delivering the project from conception to completion, noting that it was planned, designed, and managed entirely in-house.
“By undertaking this work internally, we not only accelerated delivery by approximately two years, but also achieved savings of about R10 million in professional fees. The project was completed within two years and included 30 percent community participation, with approximately R16 million allocated to local companies. In addition, the project created employment for an average of 20 people per month over a 16-month construction period,” Mayor Xaba concluded.
