Maalgate bridge upgrade due for completion in July

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10-03-2025
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George Herald
Source

The initial cost estimate of the project was R46,5m. If all goes according to plan, the total expenditure will come to roughly R60m.

GEORGE NEWS - The upgrading of Maalgate bridge on the R102 is on track and should be completed by mid-July this year.

Acting Director of Operational Support in the Western Cape Infrastructure Department Jandré Bakker said all three the arches of the bridge have been constructed.

 "They are currently commencing with the balustrades on either side and filling up the arches with material. The final roadworks will start in due course."

Bakker responded to concern aired by a motorist who noticed that all activity had ceased from Thursday last week and that it was still quiet on Monday. Bakker said it was the contractor's pay weekend. 

"The concept of a pay weekend is standard practice in the construction industry. Other than that, the works are proceeding according to programme."

The initial target to complete the work was October 2022, but the first two contractors, Mamlambo Construction, followed by Leek Construction, had fallen behind schedule. Leek took over from Mamlambo in September 2022 and had been given until 6 December 2023 to finish. The current contractor, Empa Structures (Pty) Ltd, was appointed in June 2024.

The initial cost estimate of the project was R46,5m. Bakker said the current expenditure is R50m. "If all goes according to plan we will come in on budget at roughly R60m."