Matadi Bridge, Suspension bridge in Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Matadi Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Congo River with two prominent steel towers supporting its deck. The structure carries vehicle traffic and features a long central section that stretches across the water between its main supports.
The bridge was built between 1979 and 1983 with Japanese engineering and was the longest suspension span in Africa when it opened. Its completion significantly changed how goods and people moved across the Congo River at this location.
Locals often refer to it as Moyondo, a name reflecting its role as a meeting point for trade between inland and coastal communities. The structure shapes daily movement patterns and remains central to how people navigate between these regions.
The bridge is busy with traffic at most times, so crossing is easier during early morning or late afternoon hours. Walking across or traveling by vehicle both require paying attention to the current flow and being prepared for variable weather conditions.
The structure contains roughly 14,000 tons of steel and remains the only crossing over the main river section of the Congo. This makes it an essential route for the region in ways that go beyond just transportation convenience.
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