Residents and motorists in Cape Town are facing significant traffic disruptions on Sunday evening after a truck collided with the Lower Church Street pedestrian bridge on the N1 highway this morning, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The impact of the collision has resulted in a partial road closure both inbound and outbound from the city centre to Woodstock, raising concerns about congestion and safety in the area.
The heavy flatbed truck was reportedly transporting a large industrial tank when it struck the underside of the bridge, dislodging not only its heavy load but also damaging the bridge structure itself.
Eyewitness accounts describe a dramatic scene as the truck tipped over, causing concrete debris to scatter across multiple outbound traffic lanes.
Structural engineers have been dispatched to assess the integrity of the bridge, while City Emergency Services, Fire & Rescue, and Law Enforcement immediately secured the scene.
‘This road closure follows a major collision that occurred early this morning,’ said Councillor Rob Quintas, City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
He explained that the incident resulted in extensive structural damage, with severe concrete spalling and exposed reinforcing steel evident along the underside of the bridge deck.
Cleanup crews are currently hard at work, removing heavy debris to ensure the thoroughness of the inspection process.
As of now, the City has not provided a timeframe for when the affected stretch of road will reopen, stating that it is contingent upon the outcome of the structural inspection.
‘At the moment, we can’t really say when this road will be open. It is pending the outcome of inspection. The City aims to reopen the road as soon as possible, subject to structural safety clearance,’ Quintas added.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the N1 section near Lower Church Street and to utilise alternative routes including Albert Road/Sir Lowry Road through Woodstock or Salt River to reconnect further downstream.
Additionally, the N2 outbound (Nelson Mandela Boulevard) is being suggested as a primary detour from the city centre.
Authorities are encouraging drivers to exercise patience during this period of disruption as efforts to clear the debris and assess the bridge continue.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Update: Riot action disrupts N2 and R300 as some Cape Town roads reopen
Picture: Cape Town News & Traffic
