Truck drivers and fleet operators travelling through the Mzimkhulu area will need to adjust their routes after an immediate weight restriction was introduced on the Mzimkhulu River bridge.
Vehicles weighing more than 16 tonnes are now prohibited from crossing the bridge while rehabilitation work continues.
According to contractor Yena Uyabusa Trading, the restriction was implemented after engineers assessed the bridge during the ongoing rehabilitation project and determined that it can no longer safely accommodate vehicles exceeding 16 tonnes.
The restriction is effective immediately, meaning all trucks and other vehicles above the weight limit must use the designated alternative routes until further notice.
The contractor said the decision was taken to protect both road users and construction teams working on the bridge.
For truck drivers, the restriction is expected to result in detours and possible delays, particularly for heavy freight vehicles that regularly use the crossing. Transport operators are encouraged to factor the change into their route planning to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Motorists travelling through the area should also expect changes to traffic flow as heavy vehicles are diverted away from the bridge.
Yena Uyabusa Trading urged all road users to comply with the new weight restriction and follow the prescribed detour routes. Ignoring the restriction could place additional strain on the bridge and create unnecessary safety risks.
Rehabilitation work on the Mzimkhulu River bridge remains ongoing, and the 16-tonne weight limit will remain in place until engineers determine that it is safe to allow heavier vehicles to cross again.
Road users are advised to stay alert for temporary road signs, follow instructions from traffic officials and allow extra travelling time if their journey is affected by the diversion.
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