MEDIA RELEASE
M4 Tongaat River Bridge Opens in Time for Festive Season

Pietermaritzburg, 14 December 2023 – The M4 Tongaat River Bridge in Ballito was reopened today, (14 December 2023) after it was badly damaged during the April 2022 floods, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. The reopening of the bridge will provide great relief for road users in the vicinity.

The national road network was badly affected by the torrential rains and flooding that swept through the province in April 2022. The then Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, tasked SANRAL to be the lead agency in rebuilding the road infrastructure in KZN.

“Today is an important day for residents and businesses along the M4 in Westbrook and Tongaat who were seriously affected by the bridge closure. The reopening comes at an opportune time as the festive season is upon us,” said Mr Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s
Eastern Regional Manager.
“I want to express my gratitude to the local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of these repairs. Repairs to the damaged bridge began in July 2023 and was completed on schedule. The bridge is a crucial transportation
which will now continue to service the needs of the community well into the future,” said Mr Nkabinde.

“Road users had to take longer routes and with the reopening we hope that communities and businesses of Zimbali, Ballito, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Head and other locations within KwaDukuza Local Municipality can once again resume normal operations.”

SANRAL has appealed to the freight industry, especially the double tipper trucks, not to use  the M4 until further notice.
With the busy Christmas season underway, SANRAL is encouraging all road users to take care and be extra vigilant and to respect all road users and help make this a safe and happy festive season for everyone.