There have been rising concerns within the community recently regarding the structural integrity of the President Steyn Bridge in Pretoria North.
Following these concerns, Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer has urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumours which have been circulating online and by word-of-mouth.
Meyer clarified that while the bridge has recently experienced some vandalism, its structural foundation remains intact and unchanged for many years.
“Google Maps imagery from as far back as 2009 supports this assertion, showing the bridge in nearly the same condition, with minor cosmetic changes due to vandalism.”
He encouraged residents to verify this by viewing the publicly available satellite images.
“A resident confirmed that the bridge’s design includes specific features to allow for natural movements.
The resident’s father was the original builder of the bridge, and the community member personally knew the engineer who designed it.”
Meyer said what people refer to as cuts in the bridge are in fact intentional design elements.
“The cuts were engineered to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the structure due to changes in temperature and ground conditions.
“The cuts are not a sign of deterioration, but a part of the bridge’s original design, which has been standing for over 40-50 years,” said Meyer.
He assured the community there was no cause for alarm and no imminent danger associated with the bridge.
“We kindly request residents to avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic,” he said.
Tony Veldkor (72), whose father was one of the engineers responsible for building the bridge, said the it was designed like that because it was built in a rainy period.
“The bridge was built like this about 50 years ago and my father used to specialise in this kind of building because they wanted movement, the so-called cuts were part of the foundation.
“Nothing is wrong with the bridge, people must leave it as it is and must stop making a fuss out of nothing,” said Veldkor
Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, said the bridge is not collapsing and that metro engineers have confirmed the bridge has not been vandalised but is safe.
Good morning Tshwane. This bridge in Pretoria North is not collapsing. The City’s engineers have confirmed that the bridge has not been vandalised and is safe. https://t.co/axAHDFoKMJ
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) November 25, 2024
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the bridge had been standing for decades with no major problems.
“The bridge was designed and built like that and we have assessment photos dating back to 2004 showing the ‘concrete hinges’ seen as cuts have always been there.”
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