Neutor Bridge shuts down Saturday to block illegal truck crossings

Neutor Bridge will close to all motorised traffic on Saturday, May 9, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shutdown comes as authorities install stricter height and width limits to stop illegal truck crossings. Despite existing weight restrictions, heavy vehicles have repeatedly ignored the rules, causing damage and safety concerns. The bridge has faced growing problems since the B10 highway closed, diverting more traffic through the area. Up to 70 unauthorised trucks have crossed in a single day, even though the bridge has a 3.5-ton weight limit. Temporary barriers meant to block them were often moved or broken, allowing larger vehicles to pass through.

To tackle the issue, a new structure made of solid concrete blocks and a steel frame will be installed. This will restrict each lane to a maximum width of 2.1 metres and a height of 3.0 metres. Long detours are clearly signposted, but many drivers have ignored them, leading to further enforcement. During the closure, pedestrians and cyclists can still use Neutor Bridge. For motorists, Kienlesberg Bridge is available as an alternative route.

The new restrictions aim to prevent oversized vehicles from damaging the bridge. Once installed, the concrete and steel barriers will enforce the limits permanently. Authorities hope this will reduce illegal crossings and improve safety for all road users.