Allenby Bridge, Border crossing bridge near Jericho, Jordan
Allenby Bridge is a concrete structure spanning the Jordan River at 273 meters below sea level, connecting the West Bank to Jordan with four traffic lanes. The terminal building contains separate halls where entry and exit procedures take place.
British forces erected the first concrete crossing in 1918 and named it after Field Marshal Edmund Allenby, who commanded the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. Japan funded construction of the current crossing in 1994, replacing a temporary Bailey span.
Buses shuttle travelers between the two border facilities because no one can walk or drive their own vehicle across. People waiting here experience the daily routine of Palestinians visiting family or commuting to Jordan for work.
Travelers should allow plenty of time for procedures because waiting periods vary depending on traffic. Bringing copies of all travel documents and preparing for interviews with security staff helps the process go smoothly.
The crossing sits at the lowest drivable point on Earth, forcing vehicles to roll steeply uphill or downhill as they descend into or climb out of the Jordan Rift. No other border post anywhere operates at such depth below sea level.
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