Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge

The Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge is a steel and arch structure that carries traffic across the river, connecting the two urban areas on either side. The design accommodates both vehicular movement on one level and train traffic on another level.

The structure was built between 1907 and 1909 and represented a major engineering achievement of its time for the region. European engineers collaborated with local expertise to create this first permanent crossing of the waterway.

The bridge represents a pivotal moment in the city's development, demonstrating how modern engineering transformed local connections. It continues to shape how the two sides of the city relate to each other today.

The crossing works for both car traffic and train users, with separate lanes for each mode of transport. Visitors should know that during the Blue Nile's high water season, crossing conditions may vary and timing might be affected.

The structure includes a movable element that allows it to adapt to changes in the river and handle the Blue Nile's shifting water levels. This technical feature was an innovative solution for managing a major African river's challenges at the time it was built.