ABSTRACT
The construction of the bridge over the Vaal River in Warrenton replaces an existing low level bridge that had been in operation for 83 years. From an economic perspective, the new bridge offers significant improvements in terms of living conditions to the people of Mahareng as during the rainy season they were deprived from crossing the Vaal River for approximately six weeks. Specific objectives outlined during the design stage, highlighted to the following improvements over the existing low level bridge:
providing an extra lane capacity, improving traffic flow in both directions,
providing new pedestrian footpaths and thus enhancing safety,
providing safer road shoulders for bicycles crossing the bridge,
improved discharge capacity during high floods of the Vaal River,
reducing the risk of floods which have in the past affected the local community in Warrenton,
improving the economic development for Warrenton,
Enhancing the overall traffic flow and safety on the N18 as a National Road.
