Weight-limit on Kruger entry

2007-11-22 21:13

Sharon Hammond

Nelspruit - Vehicles weighing more than four tons will not be allowed to enter the Kruger National Park through the Crocodile Bridge entrance gate until October next year.

Head of technical services in the park, Blake Schraader, said cracks had formed on the deck of the low-water bridge that crosses the Crocodile River, making it "extremely hazardous" for heavy vehicles to cross the bridge.

"We apologise for any inconvenience that this move might cause, but assure our guests that we will improve the situation at Crocodile Bridge entrance gate with an extensive upgrade which will probably be completed by October 2008," said Schraader.

In the meantime, vehicles weighing four tons or more will be able to use the Malelane entrance gate, which is situated 70km away from Crocodile Bridge.

Sedans, sport utility vehicles, open safari vehicles and other vehicles weighing less than four tons will still be able to use Crocodile Bridge entrance gate.

The low-water bridge will be strengthened and raised by 1.9m to dramatically cut down on the length of time the bridge has to be closed when the level of the Crocodile River rises.

Both the Crocodile Bridge rest camp and entrance gate will be upgraded at a cost of R9.4m this year.

The entrance gate will be moved away from the rest camp to ease traffic congestion at the camp.

The reception area will also move to a bigger building, and additional staff housing will be built.

The water reticulation system will be upgraded and the power supply system will be completed.

- African Eye