Urgent repairs underway for Stapleton Road bridge in Pinetown

Urgent repair work is being made to the Stapleton Road Bridge in Pinetown.

The bridge has been temporarily closed to facilitate the repair work. Stapleton Road Bridge serves as a key link between Sarnia Road and the King Cetshwayo Highway (M13) into Pinetown and New Germany.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said following recent assessments, it was determined that a portion of the concrete structure has been compromised and requires immediate removal and reconstruction.

“This decision was made in the interest of public safety and to enable the repair process to proceed as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Municipality’s structures department has completed most of the repair design work and is fully mobilised on-site,” said Ms Sisilana.

She added, "In addition to structural concerns, investigations revealed that the northern road embankment is being undermined, resulting in a narrowed and unstable roadway. Vibrations from heavy vehicles have worsened the condition, especially near the recently reconstructed water main.”

Ongoing vehicle traffic presents a significant risk to both motorists and the construction workforce, she said. Full closure of the bridge will allow work to proceed without interruption, reducing the repair timeline while ensuring maximum safety and quality.

“The municipality acknowledges the inconvenience this closure may cause and sincerely apologises to all affected residents, businesses, and commuters. The municipality assures the public that teams are working round the clock to minimise the closure period, while upholding the highest standards of safety and engineering. If conditions remain favourable, the bridge is expected to reopen within 21 days or sooner, should progress allow,” she said.

Motorists are advised to make use of the following alternative routes into Pinetown via Main Road (Underwood Road), via the M7 (Edwin Swales Drive) through Bellair.