N2 bridge collapse

N2 Bridge Collapse: The Unexpected Jam That Gave Traffic a Break – Literally!

A surprising bridge collapse near Amanzimtoti has left drivers at a standstill and left us all wondering – how does a bridge go from connect to disconnect?

Traffic chaos erupted on the N2 southbound near Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, following a startling bridge collapse over the Ezimbokodweni River. The incident, which occurred due to the heavy rains the province experienced, left many motorists scratching their heads in disbelief as they found themselves stuck in a gridlock reminiscent of a holiday getaway – except it wasn't a holiday! Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but a few unfortunate vehicles did bear the brunt of the collapse, leading to a smorgasbord of twisted metal that motorists will likely not soon forget.

Authorities have been quick to respond, urging drivers to seek alternative routes as the N2 heads became a veritable car park, filled with frustrated but understandably curious travelers. Trevor Zumani from SANRAL has advised that while the bridge may have partially collapsed, the spirits of the travelers definitely did not, as conversations about ‘that time the N2 turned into a parking lot’ began surfacing amidst the tailbacks. In true South African fashion, some took to social media to share the hilarity of it all, with many jokingly claiming they’d rather take a detour through the scenic route than be stuck in traffic hell!

But while it’s all fun and games, the reality remains that such incidents highlight the importance of infrastructure maintenance, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall. The authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that access to essential routes is restored as soon as possible while keeping safety at the forefront. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated and remain patient, as the fix to this unexpected rollercoaster of traffic may take a while.

As South Africans, we love our roads, but we also know that nature can be quite mischievous at times! Interestingly, KwaZulu-Natal is one of the regions that record the highest rainfall in the country, averaging about 900mm annually. Did you also know that Amanzimtoti, where this calamity occurred, is affectionately named for the ‘sweet waters’ of the river that runs through it? Well, it seems those sweet waters have turned into sour traffic for the time being, but let’s hope they grant us more than just headaches as efforts to repair the bridge unfold!