Discover the fascinating history and construction of the Bloukrans River Bridge, an engineering marvel in South Africa. Standing as the world’s highest single-arch bridge, it connects the Eastern and Western Cape provinces and serves as a thrilling bungee jumping site.
The Bloukrans River Bridge, a towering concrete structure completed in 1984, spans the Bloukrans River in South Africa. This remarkable bridge forms the boundary between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces, standing as a testament to engineering prowess and architectural innovation. Not only is it the largest and longest bridge in Africa, but it is also one of the highest bridges in the world, soaring 709 feet (216 meters) above the river below.
Situated within the picturesque Garden Route National Park and near the quaint village of Nature’s Valley, the Bloukrans River Bridge is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Plettenberg Bay. It facilitates traffic along the N2 highway and is renowned as the site of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump, known as Bloukrans Bridge Bungy, operated by Face Adrenalin since 1997.
The construction of the Bloukrans Bridge was an extraordinary feat, marked by numerous technical challenges. Murray & Roberts, the contractors, faced a demanding project from both design and construction perspectives. The temporary stage structure required for the project was more complex than the permanent stage itself, showcasing the intricate planning involved.
The bridge was built using the free suspended cantilever system, where every fourth segment—each averaging 5.25 meters in length—was tied back by BBR suspension cables. This marked the first time the BBR system of prestressing was employed for such an application. The arch of the bridge, weighing nearly 12,000 tons, is a significant achievement in concrete construction.
Upon its completion, the Bloukrans Bridge was the largest concrete arch bridge in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. It was completed five months ahead of schedule, with the 451-meter deck finished three years after the project’s inception and an impressive 26 weeks ahead of the original timeline. The bridge opened to the public in June 1983 and received accolades for its construction, including the Fulton Award for Excellence in the use of concrete and the SAICE Eastern Cape Branch Award in 1983.
Today, the Bloukrans River Bridge stands as a symbol of South African engineering excellence and continues to attract visitors from around the world, not only for its structural magnificence but also for the adrenaline-pumping bungee jumping experience it offers.
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