Sand River Bridge is still open 7.30 pm, 14 July 2012

The Bridge has not been closed yet. It is still holding and traffic police have been monitoring it all afternoon.

A statement just received from Kouga Municipality – and the last for the evening – is that it is still open to traffic but no two-way traffic is allowed, only one lane.

St Francis Chronicle has been told by Kouga Municipality that the bridge may be closed  as a cautionary measure if the bridge starts breaking up or water from the Sand River rises and appears likely to flow over the top of the bridge.  Traffic peolice will be montiroing the whole night.

The municipality has put up lighting in the vicinity of the bridge. Motorists are asked to drive along the middle and to be very careful. when crossing the bridge.

Photos taken this evening will be uploaded shortly.;

(Apologies to those waiting for earlier updates -we were locked out of the office after losing the keys on the bridge while taking photos…)

Earlier reports put out by Kouga Municipality this afternoon  indicated that debris had clogged up the pipes running underneath the Sand River Bridge. Municipal and provincial road teams  tried to  keep the pipes clear  but this proved extremely difficult. It was feared that if the water level of the river rose, it might have to be closed.

The Kouga a/h emergency number is 042 295 0250. Or if that number is engaged, contact Pieter Felix on  073 079 3267

General Emergencies:

SAPS 042 200 1817/ 10111
Calibre Security
042 294 0038
G4S 042 294 1303
Smhart Security
0861 10 15 16
NSRI 042 294 0131
Doctor 042 294 0719
Ambulance 10177; Private Ambulance:042 291 0749
Fire department:
042 291 0283

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