Maputo–Catembe Bridge, Suspension bridge in Maputo, Mozambique
The Maputo–Catembe Bridge is a cable-stayed structure in Maputo, Mozambique, extending across the full width of the bay of the same name. The four-lane roadway is supported by steel cables attached to two tall pylons that anchor the entire construction on both sides.
Construction began in 2014 under the direction of China Road and Bridge Corporation and took about four years to complete. The opening took place on November 10, 2018, coinciding with the 131st anniversary of Maputo's founding.
The name Katembe refers to both the southern district and the centuries-old ferry tradition that shaped life for residents on either side of the bay. Today locals use the crossing for daily commutes to work, while the ferries remain only as reminders of earlier times.
Crossing the bay now takes just a few minutes, reducing travel time to Ponta do Ouro considerably. In strong winds the drive over the high structure may feel somewhat unsettled, especially for motorcyclists or cyclists.
The central suspended section reaches a span of 680 meters, making it the longest on the entire African continent. The foundations rest on piles driven more than 100 meters deep into the soft sediments of the bay.
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