Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has temporarily closed a section of Jakes Gerwel Drive at Viking Road in the direction of the N2 following the discovery of extensive digging beneath the bridge connecting to Bonteheuwel.

According to Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus Mckenzie, the issue came to light last Wednesday, when motorists noticed a crack in the road near the bridge.

Mckenzie said he immediately reported the matter, and City engineers were sent out the same day to conduct inspections.

Initial investigations focused on the road’s surface.

However, a more in-depth inspection on Friday showed a significant and unexpected issue beneath the bridge.

“What started as an investigation on the top surface of the road led us to a shocking discovery at the bottom of the bridge,” Mckenzie said.

“We discovered that people had excavated quite extensively into the bridge itself.

“Some people had even begun living inside the dug-up trenches. They were mining sand, selling it, and living beneath the ground.”

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate confirmed the digging compromised the structural integrity of the bridge and surrounding road segment.

Urban mobility mayco member, Rob Quintas, said the closure of the high-volume driving route was necessary to ensure public safety.

“This past Friday, we made the startling discovery that this road’s integrity has been compromised. It appears that people have been digging out sand under this bridge, making the road vulnerable to collapse. At this stage, closure is the safest option.”

Temporary traffic measures have been put in place to manage the disruption.

Mckenzie said one lane from the opposite side of the road has been re-purposed to accommodate traffic flow.

“We are hoping that during the course of the day, we can get the necessary work done to allow at least one more lane to reopen, especially to avoid congestion during peak hours,” Mckenzie said.

The affected segment will remain closed until appropriate safety measures are implemented, with the City’s Roads Infrastructure Management Department continuing its interventions.

The public is advised to avoid the N7 Jakes Gerwel Drive southbound at Viking Road and use alternative routes while repair work is under way.

The City has also urged members of the public to report anyone removing materials under the bridge to its call centre on 021 480 7700.

“This practice must stop immediately,” Quintas said.

The municipality assures residents that safety remains its top priority as it works to resolve the issue and restore normal traffic flow.

Cape Argus