Old Bridge, Makurdi, Combined railway and road bridge in Makurdi, Nigeria
The Old Bridge is a dual-purpose structure crossing the Benue River with separate lanes for vehicles and trains to move simultaneously across the waterway. Both transportation systems share a single span that keeps the city's northern and southern areas connected.
The bridge was completed in 1932 and replaced the ferry service that previously crossed the river, establishing a permanent transportation link. This engineering project marked an important moment in the region's development during the colonial period.
The bridge serves as a gathering space where residents from different parts of the city meet, fish along the riverbank, and observe daily river life. It functions as a social hub that connects communities separated by the Benue River.
You can walk across the bridge during the day to get views of the river and surrounding areas from the middle span. The structure experiences regular vehicle and train traffic, so plan your crossing during calmer periods if possible.
The bridge features separate tracks designed for two different railway gauges, adapting to both standard and regional requirements of the time. This dual-gauge solution was an unusual engineering choice that reflects the transportation needs of that era.
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