Storms River Suspension Bridge to close this March

One of the Garden Route’s most popular attractions will soon temporarily close as major upgrades get underway.

The Storms River Suspension Bridge, located in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, will close later this March as part of a planned reconstruction project aimed at improving safety and extending the bridge’s lifespan.

The work forms part of a broader upgrade that will see all three suspension bridges along the popular trail refurbished.

Temporary closure for suspension bridge upgrades

Currently, two of the three bridges along the trail have already been closed while reconstruction work takes place.

Bridges 2 and 3 are expected to reopen on 23 March 2026, allowing visitors to continue enjoying the hiking trail.

However, once those bridges reopen, the main 77-metre Storms River Suspension Bridge will be closed from 24 March until 23 June 2026.

During this time, contractors will carry out major reconstruction work before the bridge is reopened to the public.

The project involves demolishing and replacing the superstructures of all three bridges, while also rehabilitating the supporting substructures.

This includes removing deteriorated concrete and rebuilding sections using specialised repair materials and protective coatings to ensure the bridges remain safe for years to come.

A Garden Route icon

The suspension bridges form part of a 2km hiking trail featuring wooden pathways and stairs suitable for visitors of all ages.

Since the original bridge was built in 1969, the crossing has offered visitors spectacular views over the Storms River gorge and the surrounding Tsitsikamma forest, making it one of the most photographed attractions along the Garden Route.

Authorities expect the full reconstruction project to be completed by the end of June 2026, when all bridges along the trail will reopen to visitors.

In the meantime, visitors are advised to follow all signage and safety instructions while exploring the area.