THE executive mayor of the Polokwane municipality in Limpopo, Thabo Makunyane, believes the opening of a new bridge to integrate Polokwane Centre and the city would go a long way in easing traffic flow during the World Cup and beyond.

The bridge, which was constructed at a cost of R64million, was officially opened yesterday.

Prior to its construction, there had been a lot of traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.

Makunyane said people using the taxi and bus ranks at Polokwane Centre would no longer be inconvenienced.

The municipality is also looking at constructing another bridge that would link Nirvana and Westenburg township.

"We have carefully studied the reason for congestion in town and realised that there was a need for bridges to integrate some of the centres in the city to reduce congestion, and we are happy the plan is bearing fruit," he said.

Makunyane said they also believed the opening of the bridge would unlock the value of properties in the area.

A mini shopping centre is also earmarked to be built there, he said.

He said they were in the process of finalising the process of fixing the potholes on Grobler Street to ensure visitors coming to watch the World Cup games in Polokwane were not inconvenienced.

Polokwane hosts four of the World Cup games.