 Contact Artefacts | MenuHomeUpfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon | Railway Bridge over the Kaaimans River NK PRETTEJOHN: Supervising Engineer RA GLENDAY: Engineer on site MD VALLERO: Contractor |  | ||||||
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Click to view map Coordinates: | The railway between George and Knysna was first proposed 1922 and the construction of the line started two years later. The works commenced from both ends of the line at the same time and was finally opened in 1928. The Bridge, which crosses the mouth of the Kaaimans River, soon became a tourist attraction in it own right. It is 210 m long and 36 m high. Tragically this railway was badly damaged in heavy floods in 2006, forcing its closure. In 2016 it was reported that works would begin on its repair. The first phase being the section just outside Knysna (further away from the bridge). It is hoped that the line to George will be reopened in 2020 but sadly this looks increasingly unlikely. (Gerald Humphrey, December 2017) In 2019 the South African Institute of Civil Engineering erected a commemorative plaque. Transcription plaque:
The bridge has been declared a Provincial Heritage (Grade II) site Full Statement of Significance: The Kaaimans River Railway Bridge is indispensable to an understanding of the cultural landscape of the Southern Cape Coast, and settlement patterns of agriculture market towns, forestry and ultimately urbanisation. The Kaaimans River Railway Bridge is a superb example of the technology available in 1925, the time of its construction. It combines bridge-building technology with that of tunneling in creating passage through one of the most difficult terrains in South Africa. The method of construction using caissons that were sunk 23 meters below the level of the bed with eight meter pylons above was a notable achievement at the time. The bridge is uncommon as an engineering structure of that era. Equally important, it is a rare single transportation link to have such an outsized impact on the regional economy. The connection that the bridge made from the major Southern Cape Coast towns of Knysna through to Mossel Bay brought major social and economic benefits to the region. The construction marked the opening up of the Southern Cape Coast of South Africa at a time when railways were expanding after years of inactivity. The resulting growth in infrastructure has been vital to the economy of the area for nearly 100 years. The bridge is one of the most important symbols of this and of the technology of that era. The Kaaimans River Railway Bridge is an excellent and unique example of this kind of construction and should be protected in order that future generations are made aware of South Africa's achievements prior to and without the benefit of digital technology. The bridge is an exemplary reflection of engineering technology that has resulted in artistic beauty. The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) declared the bridge the 2019 National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the Year. Site graded by: Heritage Western Cape Date: 12 January 2022 (Submitted by Jenny Calder) |
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