Garden Route National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa – February 2026
South Africa’s most beloved coastal icon is entering a new era. Smart Civils, in partnership with SANParks and consulting engineers SMEC South Africa, has officially begun the rehabilitation and complete reconstruction of the three suspension bridges at Storms River Mouth, located within the world-renowned Garden Route National Park.
These bridges—one of the most photographed attractions in the country— form the heart of the Tsitsikamma experience, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to witness the dramatic meeting of river, forest and ocean. Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, they are being rebuilt from the ground up to secure their longevity for generations to come.
A Landmark Worth Preserving
First constructed in 1969 and reconstructed in the mid-2000s, the Storms River suspension bridges have become a symbol of adventure tourism in South Africa. The main bridge spans 77 metres across the river mouth, suspended above swirling, iron-tinted water as the Storms River converges with the Indian Ocean. Together with two adjacent bridges, the trio forms an accessible and breathtaking trail that winds through indigenous Tsitsikamma forest.
The rehabilitation project ensures that this cherished attraction remains structurally sound, environmentally safe and aligned with international standards of engineering excellence.
Scope of the Project
Smart Civils has been appointed as the main contractor for the R17.9 million project, scheduled from 9 July 2025 to 26 June 2026. The overarching objective: To demolish and replace all superstructures of the three bridges and rehabilitate the supporting substructures with minimal ecological impact.
Key works include:
1. Rehabilitation of Steel Substructures
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.
2. Concrete Restoration
Spalled and deteriorated concrete is removed and rebuilt using specialised repair mortars and protective coatings. Reinforcement showing signs of corrosion is exposed, treated and restored to maintain structural integrity.
3. Replacement of Full Superstructures
All three suspension bridges will be fully removed and replaced. This includes:
- new stainless-steel components
- new walkway boards
- side netting and load barriers
- locally sourced materials wherever possible
- high-quality Swiss-manufactured main Stress Ribbon and Catenary cables supplied by Brugg Fatzer AG of Switzerland
The result will be a refreshed and strengthened bridge system built to serve millions of future visitors.
Innovation in a Remote Environment
Delivering this project is no ordinary undertaking. The site is accessible only 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.
Protecting One of South Africa’s Most Sensitive Ecosystems
Working inside a national park demands precision, planning and deep respect for the natural environment. The Storms River is a protected waterway, meaning no debris may enter the river during demolition or construction. Smart Civils has implemented:
- strict containment methods
- controlled work zones
- environmentally approved mooring points on existing walkways and stone beaches
- 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.
A Project for South Africa’s Future
“Rebuilding these iconic bridges is more than an engineering project—it is a commitment to preserving one of our country’s most spectacular natural experiences,” says Smart Civils. “We are honoured to deliver a project that blends technical mastery with environmental stewardship.” – Jaco de Villiers, Lead Civil Engineer on the Storms River Project
As SANParks invests in maintaining world-class tourism infrastructure, the reconstruction of the Storms River bridges stands as a testament to South Africa’s dedication to conservation, sustainable tourism and national heritage.
