Johannesburg: M1 bridge suffered structural damage due to fire

The M1 bridge suffered structural damage due to a fire on May 1^st. The bridge was constructed in 1971 or 1972 and in 2018 was declared in good condition during structural assessments. However, a recent fire caused major damage. As of present, it is necessary to secure the concrete panels with steel because of the risk of falling onto Smith Street. This task, as local authorities stated, must be completed within the next two weeks at an estimated cost by JRA of at least R10 million.

The incident not only caused structural damage but destroyed also at least 450m of the 88KV electrical cables, leaving various parts of the city, including Braamfontein, without power. City officials stated that efforts to restore the power are underway as the City Power technicians are working to temporarily restore areas experiencing power supply interruptions. This completion is expected by May 20th.

After the incident, Smit Street crossing under the bridge, was closed for security reasons, while vehicles and pedestrians are advised to avoid the street and the railway yard below the bridge. The cause of the incident currently, remains unclear but is estimated that was due to vandalism.

It ought to be pointed out that the City of Johannesburg approximates that the restoration of the electrical system and concrete beneath the M1 highway bridge will require approximately R33 million. The restoration includes a comprehensive visual condition inspection and lab testing to assess the bridge, damaged by fire.