Hawkesworth Bridge, Suspension bridge in San Ignacio, Belize.
Hawkesworth Bridge is a suspension bridge in San Ignacio that crosses the Macal River. The structure spans across with a single traffic lane connecting the towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.
The bridge was built in 1949 to connect the two towns using imported materials from Europe. It represented a major infrastructure project for the Cayo District at that time.
The bridge serves as a social meeting place where residents from both towns naturally gather and interact. It shapes the daily rhythm of local life and bonds two distinct communities together.
You can cross the bridge on foot or by car, but expect narrow conditions during busy times. Current construction work may cause delays, so it is better to plan your crossing flexibly.
The bridge was built with seven cable strands that each weigh eighteen tons, providing stability across the water. This engineering shows the technical skill needed to create a safe crossing over the river.
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