Van Stadens River NG rail bridge, Railway bridge in Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Van Stadens River NG rail bridge is a 196 m long steel lattice girder bridge carrying the Avontuur Railway 77 m above the Van Stadens River. Its girder rests on five steel truss pillars, two of which reach the valley floor. The single track is 610 mm narrow gauge, but the bridge was built wider and stronger to allow a future conversion to Cape gauge.

The bridge was constructed as part of the Avontuur Railway line to link small communities and support freight movement across the Eastern Cape region. It stands as a reminder of the railway infrastructure that once opened up these remote areas.

The bridge serves the Apple Express route, where steam trains carry passengers on scenic journeys through the river gorge. Travelers can experience the restored railway tradition as trains wind through the surrounding landscape.

The best way to experience the bridge is by taking the Apple Express train, which runs regular journeys across the structure. Bring layers and wind-resistant clothing, as the gorge can be breezy, especially when crossing at height.

Local sources often call it the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world, but Switzerland's metre-gauge Wiesener Viadukt reaches 88 m against its 77 m. It is probably the highest bridge built for 610 mm gauge. The steel structure was also made wider and stronger than needed, in preparation for a possible conversion to Cape gauge.