Bridge collapse: N3 both directions cleared

UPDATE: Sanral confirms that the section of the N3 between the Gillooly's and the M2 Gildenhuys interchanges where an unused pedestrian bridge had collapsed yesterday, has been cleared and traffic is now flowing.

Sanral engineers and its demolition team worked flat out yesterday until just past midnight to break down the remainder of the collapsed bridge and remove the rubble from the scene.

"This is a high volume traffic road with almost 200 000 vehicles passing through per day. Keeping the road closed on a normal business day would have frustrated many motorists. We are relieved that we managed to clear the debris and open the road in less than the 48 hours we had anticipated," Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona said.

"We wish to thank the teams involved in the collaborative effort to clear the site.

"At the same time we have not forgotten those who were injured during the bridge collapse. We wish them a speedy recovery and are keeping them in our prayers," Mona said.