koffiefontein bridge truck crash r48

The R48 was closed at bridge 981 near Koffiefontein on Thursday after a truck collided with the bridge pillars and completely blocked passage for other motorists.

Free State Provincial Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, told SA Trucker that the accident happened at 02:00 am.

“The truck driver lost control of his vehicle as he drove on the bridge and collided with the pillars,” she said.

She explained that the department will assess the extent of the damage to the bridge.

koffiefontein bridge truck crash

The driver was not injured in the single-vehicle accident.

Read | Truck driver fined R20 000 for damaging the historical Silver River bridge

R48 closure

On Tuesday, the department informed motorists and residents of Koffiefontein and surrounding towns that bridge number 981 at Koffiefontein and the R48 access road will be closed for four days due to the repair of the bridge and asphalt surfacing of the road.

koffiefontein bridge

The closure is scheduled for Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 April 2023 from 09:00 am – 13:00 pm daily.

Motorists are advised to use alternative roads to travel in and out of Koffiefontein during the said periods.

“The maintenance work on the bridge and road will enhance the safety of motorists. The DCSR&T apologises for the inconvenience that these closures might cause and appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience in this regard,” said Mophethe.