Mozambique’ new bridge opens to traffic

Mozambique’s new suspension bridge connecting Maputo with Catembe is now open to traffic. The suspension bridge is the longest of its type in Africa, measuring almost 3km-long and surpassing the previous holder of this accolade, the Mapati Bridge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new bridge spans Maputo Bay and forms part of a new highway connection running from Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, all the way to the border with South Africa. The route will be of major benefit for Mozambique, helping to boost its tourism industry.

The bridge was constructed using the method balanced cantilever method, with the contractor, 3366 China Road and Bridge Corporation, utilising precast girders and a cast-in-situ slab system. The precast sections are 12m wide, 26m long and 3m thick, while the bridge deck weighs around 700tonnes.

A substantial portion of the US$799 million or so funding required for the bridge project has been provided by the China 1290 Export-Import Bank.

The opening of the bridge will cut journey times for drivers considerably. The Maputo Bay crossing was previously handled by ferries, which were costly, slow and unreliable. The new Maputo-Ponta de Ouro highway also forms part of the project will help develop Mozambique’s economy as the country is a popular tourist destination for South Africans. The highway measures around 200km-long and this project has also included the construction of five smaller bridges.