Stellenbosch Municipality’s Infrastructure Services Directorate plans to construct a new bridge over the Dwars River near Languedoc.
The bridge connecting Languedoc to Pniel is approximately 90 years old and struggles to accommodate modern traffic, according to Alan Espy, engineer on the project to build an upgraded bridge. PHOTO: Emma Hamman
“The new bridge, designed as a dual carriageway, will enhance traffic flow, improve safety and better serve residents,” said Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar.
The project will cost approximately R50 million and is expected to last for 12 months, starting 29 July, according to Grobbelaar. During this time, he said, traffic will be controlled with a stop-and-go system.
New and upgraded walkways will be constructed to connect the Languedoc community to the main road.
The need for improved infrastructure
Languedoc, previously connected to Pniel through two bridges over the Dwarsberg River, now only has one functioning bridge. One bridge collapsed several years ago.
The reconstruction of the bridge in Languedoc will improve the remaining lifespan of the road, according to Alan Espy, chief engineer on the project. PHOTO: Emma Hamman
“The current bridge is approximately 90 years old and very narrow,” said Alan Espy, the project’s chief engineer.
“The whole objective is to improve the bridge for traffic and the safety of pedestrians,” said Espy.
“The existing bridge restricts traffic flow, as it is currently a single-lane structure,” said Grobbelaar.
Safer pedestrian crossings for Lanquedoc
Espy expressed concerns for the safety of children and bicycle users on the current bridge. “The children don’t know where to walk, especially in heavy traffic. The new bridge will have a sidewalk from one side to the other,” said Espy.
The Dwars River separates Lanquedoc from Pniel resulting in residents needing to commute to town using the existing single lane bridge. PHOTO: Emma Hamman
Espy said that the old bridge will continue to be used for non-motorised traffic to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.
The need for this project was identified through previous transport planning studies and the public participation process of the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), according to Grobbelaar.
“Traffic will continue to be accommodated on the existing bridge during construction of the bridge, pavements and walkways,” he said.