Mozambique | New bridge over Iledje river to be concluded this Tuesday – AIM

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Mozambique | New bridge over Iledje river to be concluded this Tuesday – AIM

7:08 CAT | 29 Mar 2022

Photo: Antonio Zefanias on Facebook

Technical teams from Mozambique’s National Roads Administration (ANE) have been working round the clock to ensure the conclusion on Tuesday afternoon of the installation of a metallic bridge over the Iledje River, and guarantee the full resumption of traffic along the country’s main north-south highway on the stretch between Nicoadala and Namacurra, in the central province of Zambezia.

The ANE Provincial Delegate, Jorge Govanhica, told AIM on Tuesday that the work is proceeding and the metal structure has already been assembled and placed over the river. Technical teams were now checking and cross checking the screws of the 30 metre long bridge, which will be followed by the placement of the bridge deck.

“When we finish placing the bridge deck, we will also place access ramps on both south and north ends, paving the way for the traffic to flow normally over the bridge,” Govanhica said, adding that every sort of vehicle up to 52 tonnes in weight will be able to use the bridge.

As traffic reopens, Govanhica stated that light vehicles will be the first allowed onto the bridge, followed by the heavy goods vehicles that have been stranded for more than a week. “By tonight, all the traffic on both sides will have moved across the bridge”, he promised.

The ANE had scheduled to completely halt the traffic on Sunday in order to enable installation of the metallic bridge. But the bridge had to be brought to Zambezia from the port city of Beira, and the poor conditions of the road delayed its arrival.

The work could not begin until Sunday night and technical teams worked throughout the night. But the heavy downpour on Monday morning caused further delays, pushing the conclusion of the job into Tuesday.

“We had to reschedule the conclusion of the work for Tuesday afternoon, because weather conditions compromised our work in the early hours of Monday”, said Govanhica. “However, we are doing all our best to ensure that by Tuesday afternoon the traffic flows again”.

As the installation of the bridge continues, some people are resorting to small boats to cross the river, but truck drivers have no option but to wait for the conclusion of the bridge.

Source: AIM