By Rex Mphisa
GOVERNMENT will close Runde Bridge 105 kilometres south of Masvingo on the highway to Beitbridge, albeit temporarily, to allow major construction work.
Closure will be either Saturday or Sunday as seen suitable for 80 minutes.
The bridge sits on a section of the 600 kilometre highway from Beitbridge to Harare, where the last bit of construction work to complete the road upgrade is underway.
In a statement widely circulated on social media, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development said the closure will be for about an hour and 20 minutes.
The notice titled “Temporary Full Closure Of Runde Development Bridge For Asphalt Overlay” also advised motorists to plan their journeys on time or seek alternative routes to avoid delays.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development advises motorists of a scheduled full closure of the Runde Bridge. The 80-minute closure is necessary to perform a critical asphalt overlay, ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of the structure. The bridge is located at chainage 105km from Masvingo towards Beitbridge on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road,” said the notice.
“The work will take place on either Saturday, 22 November 2025, or Sunday, 23 November 2025, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (1000HRS-1500HRS). The final date and precise start time are contingent upon favourable weather conditions,” the notice carried on.
Motorists should anticipate significant delays, and to minimize disruption, the public is strongly advised to plan journeys in advance, seek alternative routes, and allow for considerable extra travel time, it said.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this essential maintenance and appreciate the public’s understanding as we work to improve our national transport infrastructure. Any additional updates will be communicated through official channels,” it said.
The Runde River Bridge, also known as the Bethanga Bridge, was built between 1927 and 1930.
Of late, its surface had become largely uneven and caused a lot of anxiety and discomfort to motorists.