According to Erica Strauss, DA councilor in the Dawid Kruiper municipality, at least five trucks have crashed into the bridge in the past month. (Photo: Provided)
Another lorry crashed into the notorious low railway bridge in Schröderstraat in Upington on Friday evening – the latest in a series of collisions which according to the DA put residents, motorists, lorry drivers and even livestock at risk.
According to Erica Strauss, DA councilor in the Dawid Kruiper municipality, at least five trucks have crashed into the bridge in the past month.
Strauss says the situation has now become so serious that public safety can no longer be ignored.
“The low railway bridge in Schröderstraat remains a danger for motorists, truck drivers, livestock and critical infrastructure due to poor lighting and insufficient visibility of warning signs,” says Strauss.
“Despite repeated accidents and near collisions, the Dawid Kruiper municipality still fails to act or even respond to a private offer to install proper lighting at the bridge.”
‘Public safety cannot wait any longer’
The DA has now made an urgent appeal to Elias Ntoba, municipal manager of the Dawid Kruiper municipality, to immediately accept a local businessman’s offer to finance and install new lighting at the bridge and the warning signs in front of the bridge.
According to Strauss, this intervention is essential to prevent further accidents, traffic disruption and damage to the bridge.
“Public safety cannot wait any longer. The municipality must put politics aside, work with the community and act before another tragedy occurs.”
Cattle truck accident causes great concern
Strauss also refers to an incident on April 28 when a truck transporting cattle collided with the bridge.
“On the evening of April 28, a truck transporting cattle collided with the bridge, resulting in the death of approximately half of the animals. The incident caused immense trauma to the animals, the driver and everyone who helped at the scene.”
According to her, it was by no means an isolated incident.
“Several incidents and near-collisions have been reported at the bridge in recent months. This highlights the urgent need for better safety measures.”
(Photo: Provided)
Strauss warns that the continuous collisions not only pose a danger to road users and livestock, but also threaten the integrity of the railway bridge.
“The railway bridge is an important strategic link that connects Upington with Namibia and the rest of South Africa. Continued clashes pose a serious risk to this infrastructure.”
The rail bridge is an important strategic link that connects Upington with Namibia and the rest of South Africa. (Photo: Provided)
DA wants to divert heavy traffic from the town centre
Meanwhile, the DA tabled an urgent motion in the council asking that the municipality cooperate with Transnet to improve security measures and divert heavy vehicles around Upington’s town centre.
According to Strauss, the current warning system is completely inadequate.
“There is currently only one warning sign near the old Gordonia Hospital advising lorry drivers to turn right at the stop street. There are no flashing lights and damaged height limiters make it difficult for drivers to determine whether their vehicles can safely pass under the bridge.”
(Photo: Provided)
The DA suggests that heavy vehicles be diverted via Rondomstraat instead to avoid the town centre.
Strauss says clearer warning signs, flashing lights and improved lighting also urgently need to be installed.
“This dangerous situation affects motorists, truck drivers, livestock and critical infrastructure and can no longer be ignored,” she emphasizes.
She adds that the municipality must work together with all role players at local, provincial and national level to make the truck route through Upington safe.
“The DA calls on the Dawid Kruiper municipality to put public safety first and immediately accept the offer for improved lighting so that lives can be protected and further accidents can be prevented.”
(Photo: Provided)