A site inspection at the Sand River bridge at 8 am by officials today revealed that despite fairly heavy rains occurring intermittently throughout the night and muddy-looking conditions this morning, the second temporary bridge over the Sand River in St Francis Bay is holding well.
A traffic vehicle was there watching as cars crossed. Officials told me there had been a guard on duty the whole of last night.
Many people peered out their car windows to ask me: “Will I be able to get back, I am going to church?” Some however, were extremely anxious and after crossing the bridge in the direction of Humansdorp turned round and re-crossed it to return home a few minutes later.
People were assured that it’s safe to cross, a traffic officer said. A guard, traffic officers or disaster management officials will monitor the situation continuously.
Cars were driving slowly as there are some potholes on the bridge. Although it appears slippery it is not and is also safe to cross for pedstrians. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly across the bridge as conditions could change.
The river waters were flowing briskly through the pipes and exiting fast on the Kromme River side. The water level is at least 3 metres from the top of the bridge.
However, rain or storm water that builds up perpetually at the wetlands on the Eastern side of the Dunes farm and then flows across St Francis Links to the Sand River, takes at least day to get down to the bridge.
Tonight and tomorrow (Monday 15 August 2011) more water is expected to flow down to the Kromme in the Sand River so the situation can change overnight.
St Francis Chronicle will keep you posted.
See: http://stfrancischronicle.com/2011/08/15/and-the-storm-waters-came-down-and-the-bridge-still-held/
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