Mkapa Bridge, Road bridge in Rufiji District, Tanzania.
Description
The Mkapa Bridge is a road bridge that crosses the Rufiji River in Rufiji District, connecting southern regions of Tanzania with a direct route. The structure features two traffic lanes spanning the wide river.
History
The bridge was designed by German engineering firm H.P. Gauff and opened in 2003, backed by funding from Kuwait, OPEC, and Saudi Arabia. This project replaced the previous reliance on ferries to cross the river.
Culture
The bridge takes its name from Benjamin Mkapa, Tanzania's third president, honoring his role in the country's infrastructure development. The naming reflects how much this crossing mattered to the nation's progress.
Practical
The bridge carries the B2 road and serves as the main route for vehicles crossing the river. Visitors should know the road can become slippery during heavy rain, so careful driving is needed.
Did you know?
At the time of construction, this structure was among the longest road bridges in eastern and southern Africa, marking a significant milestone for regional infrastructure. This achievement made it a notable symbol of regional connectivity.
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