RAWSONVILLE – The months long awaited reconnection of Rawsonville and De Nova is moving closer, with emergency repair work on the severely damaged Smalblaar Bridge making good progress.
The bridge was badly damaged during the floods of 11 and 12 May, forcing the closure of Van Riebeeck Street through Rawsonville.
A temporary pedestrian walkway across the Smalblaar River is expected to open on 7 October, while a temporary two-lane low-level water crossing is expected to be operational by the middle of October.
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The R31.5 million project to demolish and rebuild the damaged sections of the bridge is expected to be completed in July 2027.
The 234.5m-long bridge, built in 1973, carries two lanes of traffic and has raised pedestrian sidewalks. Four spans and three piers were so severely damaged that they will have to be demolished and rebuilt on foundations estimated to be 6m deep.
Preparations are now underway to temporarily relocate and protect services carried over the bridge, including the existing water main, rising sewer main, street lighting and optical fibre lines.
Once these preparations are complete, work will begin on demolishing and rebuilding the damaged sections.
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The project will also include improvements to the downstream river weir to restore its riverbed level-control function and improve its resilience to future floods. Permanent scour and erosion protection will also be installed to help safeguard the bridge against future flood events.
“The damage to the Smalblaar Bridge has had a significant impact on the Rawsonville community, businesses and road users,” said Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers.
“I am encouraged by the progress being made. Our immediate priority is to restore safe access as quickly as possible, while ensuring that the permanent repair creates a stronger and more resilient bridge.”
Simmers said the temporary crossings would mark important steps in reconnecting the community.
“The temporary pedestrian crossing and vehicle crossing are important milestones towards reconnecting this community. We appreciate the patience of residents while our teams continue working to restore this vital link,” he added.
Franschhoek Pass, which was being repaired following 2023 flood damage before being severely damaged again in the May 2026 floods, remains closed with no indication of when it will reopen.
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