Challenges

Africa's first full Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system—a multi-rand project that has created a new public transit bus system and alleviated congestion and traffic volumes in this busy, highly populated area.

Section 8 of the Johannesburg BRT system, known as Rea Vaya, will link central Johannesburg, Sandton, and Alexandra.

The project includes a new bridge and related construction, which will allow for faster travel and less congested traffic in this area.

In addition, a major rebuild of the old two-lane Sandspruit Bridge was required as it could no longer accommodate the traffic volumes on Katherine Street. It has been expanded to accomodate six lanes.

Solutions

We were responsible for the project construction. We created a unique construction design that still allowed traffic to flow, and also had to accommodate existing services like water pipes, electricity mains, and fibre-optic cables.

Composed of approach ramps and an optimal cable-stayed bridge over the motorway, it has been a pinnacle of the project, and an innovative replacement to the current routes for public transportation in the city.

The Cable Stay Bridge is 250 m long, and is comprised of 5 bridge sections constructed with 15.77 mm diameter and low relaxation parallel wire strands stay cables that create an anchored and practical design for this lengthy distance over one of South Africa's busiest urban motorways.

Highlights

The project has not only created a new public transit bus system, but has also alleviated the congestion and traffic volumes in this busy, highly populated area.

This city shaping technology improved traffic with six lanes, and has created a sustainable solution to encourage environmentally conscious methods of travel with public transport.

Civil Engineers Contractors Award from 2017 Construction World Awards

Most Outstanding Project, Structural Engineering Category from the 2017 South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE), Johannesburg Branch Regional Award