Strabag to build Africa’s highest bridge

Austria-based technology construction services group Strabag has been awarded a ZAR1.63 billion (US$123 million) contract to build the highest bridge in Africa.

The group’s subsidiary Strabag International was selected by South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) to work in a 50:50 joint venture with South African construction company Aveng Grinaker-LTA.

The consortium will build a 1,132m-long bridge over the river Mtentu in South Africa, near the town of Flagstaff in the east of the country.

Upon completion, it will be Africa’s highest bridge, standing 223m above the river.

Over a period of 40 months, the project will be executed using two bridge building methods. While incremental launching will be used to construct the northern and southern portions of the bridge, the balanced cantilever method will be used for the central section. The bridge will be supported by a total of 13 piers.

Thomas Birtel, CEO of Strabag, said, “While our focus is clearly on the European market, we do occasionally execute projects outside of Europe in which we can especially apply our technical know-how. With this in mind, we look forward to realising Africa’s highest bridge together with a local partner.”