The process has begun to replace one of Cape Town’s busiest footbridges as a massive 42-metre-long and four-metre-wide new bridge was lifted into place on Saturday after arriving by water.
The bridge being replaced has connected the two sides of the V&A Waterfront for 22 years, allowing 240 000 visitors to cross between the Pierhead and Clock Tower precincts.
Shoppers can look forward to an easier crossing with the new bridge, however, as the structure is twice as wide as its older counterpart and will be able to swing away to allow tall boats to pass by.
“With new development at the Silo District, a larger bridge was required to cater for the increased footfall,” said a V&A statement.
A large crowd gathered on Saturday to watch a shore-based crane lift the 42-metre bridge off a barge and into position.
The bridge will be out of operation till June 17 2019 and visitors are encouraged to make use of bicycles, Mellowcabs (an electric bicycle service at the Waterfront), the Ferry, and the MyCiTi bus shuttle services, all of which will be provided free of charge.
The Ferry crossing will run from Pierhead Deck to the Clock Tower from 7.30am to 6.30pm. A MyCiTi bus shuttle between the Bascule Bridge and Silo Square will be available from 6.30pm to 11.30pm, while the bicycles and Mellowcabs will be available during daylight hours and these will be located at Nobel Square and outside the Clock Tower building.
Picture: V&A Waterfront
