Why the Gwaiing Bridge Matters - Garden Route
🚧 Gwaiing Bridge: New Contractor to Be Appointed This Financial Year
The long‑delayed Gwaiing Bridge upgrade on the N2 is finally moving forward. After years of stalled construction, liquidated contractors, and repeated tender cancellations, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed that a new contractor will be appointed during the 2026/27 financial year.
This marks a significant step toward completing one of the Garden Route’s most troubled infrastructure projects.
🔎 Why the Gwaiing Bridge Matters
The Gwaiing River Bridge forms part of the N2 — the main coastal artery linking Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness and beyond. The upgrade aims to double the bridge, improving traffic flow, safety, and long‑term capacity for regional growth.
But what was meant to be a straightforward 30‑month project has turned into an eight‑year saga.
⏳ A Project Delayed by Liquidations and Procurement Failures
Construction began in January 2018, with an expected completion date of mid‑2020. Instead, two contractors went into liquidation:
1️⃣ KPMM Roads & Earthworks
First contractor
Slowed down due to cash‑flow issues
Impact worsened by COVID‑19
Liquidated in April 2021
2️⃣ Mamlambo Construction
Took over the contract
A flooding incident in November 2021 worsened financial strain
Liquidated in June 2022
With both contractors unable to complete the work, SANRAL was forced to restart procurement multiple times. A 2024 tender was advertised but later cancelled due to internal assessment delays.
💰 Rising Costs: From R141.4 Million to R174 Million
The initial projected cost of the Gwaiing Bridge upgrade was R141.4 million.
The latest estimate has increased to R174 million — both amounts excluding VAT.
SANRAL attributes the cost escalation to:
Re‑establishment on site
Increased material prices
Extended project timelines
To date, R92.33 million has already been spent, with 55% of the work completed. SANRAL only pays for work that meets specification, meaning the progress aligns with the expenditure.
📅 What Happens Next?
The tender for the remaining work was advertised from 7 November to 5 December 2025, and is now in the final procurement stage.
SANRAL expects to appoint the new contractor within the 2026/27 financial year.
Once appointed:
3 months will be allocated for mobilisation
15 months for construction
Total: 18 months to completion
If timelines hold, the Gwaiing Bridge could finally be completed by late 2027.
🏗️ What the Finished Bridge Will Look Like
SANRAL confirmed that the upgraded Gwaiing Bridge will resemble the Maalgate Bridge on the N2 — a modern, widened structure designed for improved traffic flow and long‑term durability.
🌍 Why This Matters for the Garden Route
Infrastructure reliability is a major driver of:
Regional economic growth
Tourism mobility
Property development
Long‑term investment confidence
For Mossel Bay, George, and surrounding communities, the completion of the Gwaiing Bridge is essential to supporting the region’s rapid expansion.
⭐ Final Takeaway
Despite years of setbacks, SANRAL has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Gwaiing Bridge. With procurement now in its final stage and a new contractor expected this financial year, the project is finally back on track.
After eight years of delays, the Garden Route may soon see this critical piece of infrastructure completed — stronger, safer, and built for the future.