Iconic 57-year-old bridge in South Africa being completely rebuilt
The iconic Storms River Mouth suspension bridge will be fully reconstructed in 2026, with SAN Parks and engineers officially launching the project.
The reconstruction project will see all three suspension bridges rebuilt from the ground up to ensure their longevity.
The original bridge was built in 1969 at the Storms River Mouth, located within the world-renowned Garden Route National Park.
The main bridge spans 77 metres across the river mouth. Over time, two more suspension bridges were added to the area.
The bridges underwent a repair process in the late 1990s and were reconstructed in the mid-2000s. The new project marks the first reconstruction in almost two decades.
Smart Civils has been appointed as the main contractor for the project, which commenced on 9 July 2025 and is expected to be completed by 26 June 2026.
The project carries an estimated cost of R17.9 million.
According to the engineering firm, the bridges are one of the most photographed attractions in the country, and form the heart of the Tsitsikamma park.
The bridge draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to witness the dramatic meeting of river, forest and ocean.
“The rehabilitation project ensures that this cherished attraction remains structurally sound, environmentally safe and aligned with international standards of engineering excellence,” it said.
The project entails demolishing and replacing all superstructures of the three bridges and rehabilitating the supporting substructures with minimal ecological impact.
“All existing steelwork is being cleaned, repaired or replaced, then coated with a highly durable protective system. Severely corroded components will be replaced entirely, ensuring long-term resilience in the demanding marine environment,” the group said.
Spalled and deteriorated concrete will be removed and rebuilt using specialised repair mortars and protective coatings.
Reinforcements showing signs of corrosion will be exposed, treated and restored to maintain structural integrity.
Building bridges
The biggest project will be the removal and replacement of all three suspension bridges.
The new bridges will feature new stainless-steel components, walkway boards, side netting, and load barriers.
“The result will be a refreshed and strengthened bridge system built to serve millions of future visitors,” Smart Civils said.
The group noted that a key challenge for the project is that the site is only accessible via footpath or by river—no vehicles, no direct road access, and no heavy machinery that can simply be driven in.
To overcome this, Smart Civils engineered and constructed a custom barge designed specifically for the Storms River environment.
The barge allows transport of materials, removal of dismantled steelwork and responsible handling of waste, all while working within strict tidal windows and environmental safeguards.
“The Storms River is a protected waterway, meaning no debris may enter the river during demolition or construction,” it said.
During the project, there will be phased closures to maintain public access.
Operatively, bridges 2 and 3 will be replaced first while the main bridge remains open. Once safe access is restored via the smaller bridges, the main bridge will then be closed and rebuilt.
Bridges 2 and 3 are currently closed and will be reopened on 23 March 2026. The main bridge is currently open and will be closed from 24 March to 23 June.
Pictures of the Storms River Suspension Bridge
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