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Breede River Bridge, South Africa

Rehabilitating one of South Africa’s longest river bridges.

Client

Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW)

Project date

Completed November 2017

The 69-year-old Breede River Bridge, one of South Africa’s longest river crossings, was widened and rehabilitated in 2017 as part of a broader upgrade of Main Road 298 (MR298) through Rawsonville, between Worcester and Wyzersdrift. Zutari was appointed by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works to manage the project, design the bridge structure, and oversee procurement and construction.

The opportunity

Due to limited funding, the proposed widening was reduced from 11.4 metres to 8.6 metres. Zutari developed a cost-effective solution by widening both sides of the bridge using precast beams supported on cantilevering, formed by cast-in-situ reinforced concrete corbels attached to the existing piers and externally stressed with high-yield steel tie bars.

What we did

To avoid delays from environmental approvals for in-river work, Zutari designed an innovative solution that required no construction in the water, reducing flood-related risks. Ingenious hanging, moving gantries allowed construction to be completed from the existing deck, minimising environmental impact.

The team also addressed several technical and construction challenges:

  • Maintaining traffic flow during construction.

  • Ensuring uninterrupted flow through sewer and water mains attached to the bridge.

  • Managing and relocating optic fibre telecommunication lines.

  • Resolving inconsistencies in the dimensions of the original bridge.

  • Developing repair solutions, including jacking up one deck to install bearings.


Extensive repair work was completed, including pier protection collars, partial reconstruction of abutments, large spall repairs, and jacking of the north abutment to install new bearing pads.
The cooperation between the main contractors and sub-contractors, as well as the working relationship that developed between the contractor’s personnel and the supervising staff, was exemplary.

The outcome

The widened and rehabilitated bridge was completed to high standards and met all client requirements. The result is a safer, more aesthetically pleasing crossing for both vehicles and pedestrians. Social implications were carefully considered, with ongoing engagement with affected communities to mitigate the impact of construction.

The 525 metre-long Breede River Bridge upgrade is regarded as an outstanding example of civil engineering design and construction. Despite environmental, traffic and technical constraints, the project was delivered on time and within budget, showcasing Zutari’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

“The widened and rehabilitated bridge project was completed in November 2017 to high standards and to the client’s requirements. We had provided an aesthetically pleasing and safer crossing for both vehicles and pedestrians over the Breede River. The cooperation between the main contractors and sub-contractors, as well as the working relationship that developed between the contractor’s personnel and the supervising staff, was exemplary.”

Hennie Niehaus

Technical Director

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