Roadworks between Ashton and Montagu have finally reached completion. And locals are thrilled to wave goodbye to the dreaded stop-and-go systems, traffic, detours and delays.
The project began in July 2015 with the objective of reconstructing parts of the R60 and R62, from Ashton to Montagu through Cogmanskloof, in an attempt to improve traffic, pedestrian safety, and enhance the flood capacity of bridges.
Works included:
- widening the R60 through Ashton;
- adding 1.5 m shoulders to the R62 through Cogmanskloof;
- rebuilding almost 1 km of Van Riebeeck street in Montagu;
- replacing the Ashton, Boy Retief and Voortrekker river bridges;
- installing erosion and scour protection at Billy loftus Bridge and Van der Merwe Bridge;
- upgrading storm water systems and street lighting in Montagu and Ashton;
- relocating and protecting existing services; and
- installing new services.
The new bridge comprises a cable-supported concrete deck that spans 110 metres between supports with arching ribs rising 22 metres above the asphalt road surface.
The project, which was set to be completed in late 2021, was delayed by many factors, including piling at the Ashton Bridge western abutment, the re-fabrication of anchor plates for the Ashton Bridge’s arch cables, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to name a few.
The Ashton Arch Bridge was nominated for a 2021 Fulton Award, but some social media users have expressed concern about its ability to withstand flooding.
Also read: WATCH: footage of Montagu flooding goes viral on social media
Bridge concerns aside, residents have expressed how beautiful the rejuvenated route is, which also features indigenous trees that have been planted along the way.
Happy road tripping!
Also read:
Picture: Twitter / Transport Public Works
