South Africa bridge project restarting

Work on a key South African bridge project is now restarting.
By MJ Woof June 16, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Construction of the Msikaba bridge in South Africa’s Eastern Cape was originally expected to take 33 months to complete – image courtesy © Ingo Menhard, Dreamstime.com

Construction work on the Msikaba Bridge project in South Africa has now recommenced. Work had previously stalled on the bridge, located in the Eastern Cape, due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

However, social distancing measures have now been introduced to protect personnel so construction is once more underway. The foundations are being built first for the bridge, which will feature towers 127m in height and a central span of 580m.

The Msikaba Bridge will be South Africa’s longest cable-stayed type structure once complete. However, the Maputo-Catembe Bridge in Mozambique is designed with a central span of 680m, making it the longest in Africa. The gorge is 195m deep, making the bridge one of the highest in the world.

The project is costing US$111.7 million and the bridge will span the Msikaba Gorge, close to the town of Lusikisiki. The work is being carried out jointly the local subsidiary of Portuguese contractor Mota-Engil Construction and the South African firm Concor Infrastructure.

Construction of the bridge is forming part of the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road project being handled by the South African National Roads Agency. Construction of the toll road is intended to help develop the area economically.

Also being built as part of the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road project is the Mtentu Bridge. Once the new route is complete, it will cut the driving distance by some 85km.

Road Structures

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