The Grayston Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Project forms part of a 5-kilometer path. It is right between Sandton on the western side and Alexandra on the eastern side of the M1 motorway in Jo’Burg. Initially, its name was the Great Walk Bridge, with a proposal of Kopanang Bridge as the official name.
Its straight central section measures 176 meters long and features three spans. Stretching 38 meters long, the two short spans across the on and off ramps on the eastern and western sides respectively. Unfortunately, in 2015, the project’s temporary works over the busy M1 motorway collapsed onto passing traffic. At the time of the collapse, it has been reported that little permanent work had been done by the contractor, Murray & Roberts.
However, piling on the western side of the foundation for the pylon had been completed. Furthermore, on the day of the tragic collapse, blinding concrete was put in place to the base of the pylon pile cap. Nevertheless, the project managed to open on 18 May 2018.
Reported On 16 Oct 2015
South Africa: US $11.01m Pedestrian and cycle bridge to link Alexandra and Sandton
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge is to be built across and over the M1 highway in order to link Alexandra and Sandton. It aims for completion by 2017. As a whole, it aims to help in the spatial integration of Johannesburg. The bridge, which in total comprises of construction of dedicated cycle lanes and 30km of new pavement, will be a great move towards Joburg’s investment in non-motorized forms of transport.
The new bridge features a new modern design and will support the upgrading of the public environment. In addition, street furniture, lighting, and traffic calming measures will observe improvement in the neighboring streets. It will connect No 3 Square in Alexandra and Linden Street in Sandton and will also improve the safety of travelers. Moreover, it strives to improve Grayston Avenue traffic flow.
It is also part of Phase 1C of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit program, an initiative expected to link Alexandra, Sandton, Randburg, Greenstone, Ivory Park, Rabie Ridge, and Midrand to the north-east quadrant of Joburg city. MMC Walters has said it exemplifies the long-term transport and spatial development plans by the city.
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The new bridge will have the name “Great Walk” as per the City’s Corridors of Freedom master plan. According to Councillor Christine Walters, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, the new master plan will replace apartheid spatial planning. Moreover, it also augments well with the “complete street” concept, a modern trend in urban design.
The “complete street” concept seeks to develop infrastructure that serves the community rather than the private transport user. In addition to combating the change of climate, the shift in public transport will reduce carbon emissions.
JDA senior development manager Siyabonga Genu said that the bridge structure will have separate 3 meters wide cycle and pedestrian walkways, solar power street lighting, stalls for hawkers, and street furniture. The bridge’s construction is by Murray & Roberts. Meanwhile, its design is by Royal HaskoningDHV Group.
