New Delhi: The Victoria Falls Bridge is a unique piece of architecture that connects two countries in Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and interestingly, it was made in England. The famous bridge passes over the Zambezi River and was built over the Second Gorge of the Victoria Falls. It was initially called the Zambezi Bridge and it took just 14 months to build. Notably, Professor George Darwin, the son of Charles Darwin opened the bridge on September 12, 1905. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Victoria Falls Bridge is a historic civil engineering landmark.
Who constructed the bridge?
It was Cecil Rhodes who came up with the plan for the bridge and envisioned a railway scheme from Cape to Cairo which remained unfulfilled. Unfortunately, he passed away before the bridge’s construction started but he instructed the engineers to build a bridge across the Zambezi where the trains would catch the droplets of the Falls. George Andrew Hobson designed the bridge.
The Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company built the bridge in England before shipping it to Beira in Mozambique. From there, it was taken to the Victoria Falls. The construction of the bridge took just 14 months and it was completed in 1905. The bridge, which is 650 ft long was made of steel and the main arch spans 513.5 ft.
Incidentally, the bridge is one of only three road links connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe. But over the years, its age and problems regarding maintenance have resulted in restrictions in the traffic. When they pass the bridge, the trains cross at less than walking pace and heavier trucks have to take a long diversion via the Chirundu Bridge or Kazungula Ferry.
Today, the famous bridge stands as one of the main components of historical tours in the region. If you ever visit the place, guides will tell you about its construction and you will get a walking tour under the main deck. The bridge has a small museum on the Zambian side where entry is free and there is also a cafe. Also, the bridge has the Shearwater bungee jump of 364 ft.
It was Cecil Rhodes who came up with the plan for the bridge. Unfortunately, he passed away before the bridge’s construction started but he gave the engineers an important instruction. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
