On October 6, the final concrete pour was completed for the Magufuli Bridge in Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the construction of Africa’s longest low-tower cable-stayed bridge. Built by a joint venture of China Civil Engineering and China Railway 15th Bureau, this achievement comes after more than four years of continuous work, and the countdown to the bridge’s opening is officially underway.
Spanning 4.66 kilometers and featuring four lanes in each direction with a design speed of 120 km/h, the bridge is located on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Its main structure includes a 520-meter-long design with three towers and dual cables, built using a cantilevered pouring method with 123 segments.
Throughout the project, the team has prioritized green building techniques, resulting in ten authorized patented technologies and a nationally recognized first-class construction method. Noteworthy is the innovative flexible waterproof construction technique, which incorporates integrated foundation caissons—a first for Africa. This technique eliminated the need for underwater pouring during foundation construction, thereby protecting the lake’s water quality and safeguarding the essential resource for local communities.
Quality control has been a top priority during the construction process. The team maintained rigorous standards, carefully addressing elevation differences, temporary locking, concrete pouring, and prestressing to ensure millimeter-level precision in the bridge closure.
China Civil Engineering, known for its work on the TAZARA Railway, has deep roots in East Africa and actively embodies the “TAZARA spirit.” Their commitment to creating value while fulfilling social responsibilities is evident—they have trained over 200 local managers and technicians and created more than 1,600 jobs annually. The project has engaged nearly 20 local subcontractors and more than 100 suppliers. Regular skill training sessions for local workers have bolstered expertise among rebar workers, welders, carpenters, and concrete workers. Additionally, the company facilitates educational visits for local students, hosting interns from the University of Dar es Salaam and ERB to foster bridge construction talent.
The Magufuli Bridge is a pivotal national project for Tanzania. Following the successful completion of the concrete work, the team will begin laying asphalt and completing ancillary construction, aiming for full completion and opening by the end of 2024. Once operational, this bridge will be the first of its kind over Lake Victoria, greatly enhancing Tanzania’s national profile and contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.