In a significant development for the residents of Mitchells Plain, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has successfully completed the restoration of the Town Centre Pedestrian Bridge.
This crucial pedestrian bridge, which had fallen into disrepair and faced vandalism in recent years, now stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety and mobility.
The restoration of the Town Centre Pedestrian Bridge is part of the City’s routine maintenance efforts aimed at prolonging the service life of essential infrastructure while ensuring the safety of the community.
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The comprehensive repair work undertaken on the bridge included several key components:
- Various structural steel elements of the bridge, extensively corroded and beyond repair, were entirely replaced. This replacement ensures the structural integrity of the bridge, providing safe passage for pedestrians.
- All structural steel components received meticulous surface preparation, cleaning and protective coating. This protective layer not only improves the bridge’s appearance but also guards against future corrosion.
- The composite deck slab, which had suffered damage, was repaired and a durable cementitious protective coating applied to extend its longevity.
- Shattered glass balustrade panels over the railway line were replaced, enhancing safety for pedestrians using the bridge.
- The existing expansion joints were cleaned and resealed, ensuring the bridge’s durability and preventing future issues.
- Repairs and cleaning of the existing drainage system were carried out, addressing water runoff and drainage concerns.
The Town Centre Pedestrian Bridge spans the Central Railway Line, situated approximately 170 metres from the Mitchells Plain train station. This bridge plays a pivotal role in providing safe access across the railway line for residents from Portland and neighbouring areas to reach the Town Centre Public Transport Interchange.
This vital infrastructure forms part of the city’s non-motorised installations, aligning with the mission to facilitate safe mobility for Cape Town residents. City officials are urging the community to take ownership of this restored bridge and report any signs of vandalism promptly.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
