Truck episode at historical bridge

GEORGE NEWS - A truck driver of HdP Transport, a Gauteng-based transport company, was totally ignorant of what was lying ahead when he followed his GPS last Saturday, 5 November.

He ended up stuck just before the historic Kaaimans Bridge, the first bridge on the Seven Passes Road travelling from NMU Saasveld Campus in the direction of Wilderness.

This is the second incident where a truck got stuck on one of the two historical bridges on this route. The other incident allegedly happened earlier this year in March or April, when a truck got stuck on the Silver River Bridge.

"It took us seven hours to resolve the situation," said HdP Transport marketing manager Tamar Kahts. "Thankfully the truck was without a load, but we were late to pick up an order. The driver was on his way to Wilderness Fruits. We transport strawberries from George and surrounds for the Gauteng market."

According to Kahts it would be very helpful if a clear sign could warn truck drivers long before they plunge into the Seven Passes Road, which is notoriously curvy and narrow.

Luckily the truck did not cause any further damage to the bridge. The Kaaimans Bridge was damaged a few years ago and this has not yet been restored.

In July this year, George Herald reported on damage to the Silver River Bridge, the second bridge from NMU Saasveld Campus in the direction of Wilderness. Although there are several theories on how this damage was incurred, an eyewitness claims he was riding that route with his bicycle in March or April of this year, when he observed the accident.

He said a truck appeared to be stuck on the bridge, and a section of the bridge was cut off in an attempt to free the truck.

Warnings needed

George Heritage Trust chairperson Henry Paine said these last two incidents definitely indicate that there is a problem. "I have not seen any signs on the road to warn the truck drivers. We would like the district municipality to tend to this issue quite urgently, and do something to make sure it doesn't go on."

Paine reported the matter to the police and conducted a site visit to see if any new damage had been incurred after the previous incident. "We couldn't find any new damage," he said.

Western Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Jandré Bakker said a site visit of the Seven Passes Road (MR355) is planned for November during which they will visit and inspect the damage to the historic Silver River Bridge.

"Repairs to these historic bridges must be done in consultation with the applicable heritage agencies," said Bakker.

"With regards to additional signage; such request has not reached my office. I have, however, referred the matter to the district roads engineer who will liaise with the Garden Route District Municipality who performs certain functions, through an agency agreement, on our behalf."

Bakker said the department has found that there have been heavy motor vehicles on other routes, where drivers opt for the shortest routes as indicated on map apps which often do not factor in road limitations.

"There have been cases where multiple sets of signage, including hard infrastructure indicating height, weight and length limits, have been disregarded by heavy motor vehicles. Signage, while important, does not guarantee compliance. Where damage is caused to infrastructure the department may institute proceedings to claim for the repairs of said damages."

The truck was en route from George to Wilderness, to pick up a load of strawberries for the Gauteng market.