BLACKBURN PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Construction of the 177 meter long Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge in KwaZulu Natal has been completed.
The first of its kind in KwaZulu Natal, the cable stayed bridge, spanning over the N2, is a welcome provision for pedestrians travelling between Blackburn Village and the Umhlanga New Town Centre. J.T. Ross in joint venture with Devru Construction commenced with the project in July 2009 for client South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

The A Frame pylon in the centre of the bridge reaches 60 meters upwards and the attached cable stays used to support the deck structure are approximately 70m in length. These support cables, running between the A Frame pylon and the bridge pedestrian deck, are tensioned to support the bridge. Security screens will run along either side of the deck at a height of 2.1 meters, ensuring safe passageway for pedestrians crossing the bridge, which is elevated at 10 meters above the north and south bound carriageways. A concrete, paved pathway is also complete and runs from Blackburn village to the bridge, and is continued on the opposite bank running from the bridge to the Umhlanga New Town Centre.

Besides the visual appeal and unique technical features of the bridge, the project has created employment opportunities for the residents of the Blackburn Village community. J.T. Ross has provided on site training for local carpenters and scaffolders and the joint venture has participated in various community projects with SANRAL and SSI Engineering.  A bridge building competition, initiated by SSI Engineering, was held toward the end of 2009. School children from the Blackburn Village community were challenged to put together small scale bridges using toothpicks and sweets, exposing them to the underlying theory and technical principles involved in bridge construction.

Ikusasa Lami is a further initiative whereby learners from previously disadvantaged communities have worked with the J.T. Ross team on site to gain exposure into the fields of Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Construction.

As construction of the bridge and the walkway leading to Umhlanga New Town Centre nears completion, preparations are underway to light the bridge at night. The South African flag will be placed at the peak of the A Frame pylon and will fly proudly, marking Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge as a landmark feature within the new South African landscape.

IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD CUP

Warming up in support of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, J.T. Ross proudly presents a Makarapa. This designer head gear was made for J.T. Ross by New Town Projects and was recently displayed at an art gallery in KwaZulu Natal.

Go Bafana Bafana!

IKUSASA LAMI

Ikusasa Lami is an initiative whereby several learners join different departments of J.T. Ross in order to gain an overview of the industry, from a work experience perspective. The chosen participants are from previously disadvantaged communities and have already made an impact within the schools which they attend. Chosen for their exemplary grades and keen attitudes, the programme introduced them to J.T. Ross, allowing them exposure to fields for which they have an interest.

Pictured in this article, is Lindiwe and Love-Day, two of the learners who gained exposure to various sites within the J.T. Ross Construction portfolio as well as day to day office work.

The students will be working with J.T. Ross over school holidays through 2010 and into 2011 and have shown great aptitude already. As a company, we are pleased to be able to constribute and make a difference in the lives of our future generation.