Construction of Somerset West pedestrian bridge in South Africa to begin

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Construction of Somerset West pedestrian bridge in South Africa to begin

South Africa is set to commence construction works on the long awaited pedestrian bridge  in Somerset West. The need for the bridge arose as learners from Gordon High School and Danie Ackermann Primary School, as well as other pedestrians, cross the road during peak traffic times.

Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works, Byron la Hoe announced the reports and said that personnel are already on site, waiting for a permit from the City to start work on the main water line.

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Somerset West pedestrian bridge

Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) engaged with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Western Cape government towards the development two years ago

“This comes after continuous engagement between EELC, on behalf of Danie Ackermann Primary and the Gardoncar Association, and the Western Cape Government since 2017,” said EELC in a statement.

The 48-m-spanned bridge will have a structural steel arch and concrete deck. The estimated duration for construction is 15 months. The Western Cape government says the bridge will be a major safety improvement for both pedestrians and motorists travelling on the N2.

The pedestrian bridge will additionally ensure that train commuters and learners from Garden Village who attend Danie Ackermann Primary School and Gordon High School, can safely cross the busy N2 when going to school in peak hour traffic in the morning.
According to the AA, the data has been gathered from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the Eastern Cape is home to four of the worst stretches of road identified by the RTMC. This includes the so-called “highway to hell” (the N2 from East London to Mthatha).

Some of the major risks on these routes include high traffic volumes, negligent driving and animals on the road. The N2 from Cape Town to Somerset West, inspite of only measuring 45.5km, this road ranks 13th overall due to the number of fatal crashes which are mostly the result of human error and high traffic volumes.