Transport officials confirm that a bridge near Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, which partially collapsed this week, had passed routine inspections earlier this year.
The bridge over the Ezimbokodweni River was closed after the collapse, and Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa met with SANRAL engineers on Thursday to review a preliminary damage report.
The report will be sent to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for further evaluation.
According to Hlengwa, the bridge scored a 98% safety rating in its February assessment, confirming it was structurally sound at the time.
He assured the public that SANRAL aims to restore traffic flow on the bridge within three to four weeks and urged patience as repairs progress.
Engineers clarified that the damage was due to regular wear and tear, not recent flooding, and that a full restoration of the damaged areas is underway.
SANRAL also plans a major upgrade to the bridge next year, which will further strengthen its structure and address long-term durability.