Completion of infrastructure project – Mabhobhane Uthukela river
Prior to the construction and completion of the Mabhobhane Uthukela River Bridge, facing crocodiles and the possibility of drowning while crossing the Uthukela River was a reality for learners and community members in the Ilembe District.
The Mabhobhane Uthukela River Bridge was constructed at an investment of R130.8 million.
The 330 metre long, vehicular bridge comprises of 13 simply-supported spans, with the main spans being 40 metres. The bridge deck comprises of a reinforced concrete and structural steel composite section. This modular form of construction ensured the quick ease of construction and minimum formwork in the river which will be susceptible to being washed away by the frequent flash flooding.
The structural steel trusses were fabricated offsite in Glencoe and transported to site via abnormal load vehicles. The substructure consists of reinforced concrete closed box-type abutments with wall-type piers which were founded on 750 mm diametre reinforced concrete piles, socketed into bedrock. Two 100 ton cranes were required to lift the 40 metre truss into place. A total of 310 tons of structural steel, 177.3 tons of reinforcement and 1700 m3 of concrete was used to complete this project.
In addition, this bridge links District Road D1533 to Main Road P710 and will also provide a much-needed link to the towns of Mandeni and Eshowe. It also links the Umlalazi and Maphumulo Local Municipalities, and assists school learners attending Inkonjane Primary School, Embusweni Primary School, Inkonjane Secondary School, Phandaphansi Primary School and the Mpungeni Primary School.
A total of 59 local community members were employed over the duration of the contract, where they were trained in steel fixing, concrete pouring, shuttering, and construction of kerb and channeling, resulting in their proficiency in practical scarce skills in the construction industry.
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