No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge

 THE Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe have resolved to that no heavy trucks or train will use the iconic century old Victoria Falls Bridge which links the two countries.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the two sister nations have agreed to restrict the use of the bridge and will build an alternative route.

Mr Hichilema said during the Engineering Institution of Zambia(EIZ) conference in Livingstone, the historic bridge built in 1905 is no longer suitable to accommodate for heavy duty traffic.

“This bridge you see here, this road and rail bridge over the falls here, we have taken a decision with Zimbabwe, our partners, that we don’t want heavy traffic anymore here, it’s not a new bridge, it’s over 100 years.

“We don’t want 30 tonne trucks going through this bridge,” the President said.

He and in the alternative, there are plans to build another road and rail bridge, “a few kilometres down stream here”.

“…and divert traffic as you enter Livingstone. All the heavy traffic must be diverted from there. As we want to rehabilitate the Zambia Railways,” Mr Hichilema said.

And the head of State said Government still targets to grow Zambia’s economy to US$80million , adding that the economy has nearly doubled over the past four and a half years.

He said efforts are underway to ensure all provinces contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product by engaging in various economic activities.

Mr Hichilema also proposed linking the Luapula River to the Kafue River to increase power generation, in line with Government’s energy mix agenda

At the same event, Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi said Zambia seeks to be a proactive and forward-looking infrastructure planning which anticipates demand driven by climate change, urbanisation and technological advancement.

(Mwebantu, Sunday, 19th April, 2026)

Source: No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge (19/04/2026)

Tourism Minister Urges Speedy Completion of Victoria Falls Border Works

(Zambia) Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has called for the swift completion of rehabilitation works at the Victoria Falls Border, citing congestion and frustration among tourists due to delays.

Mr. Sikumba made the appeal after visiting the construction site, accompanied by a delegation from the World Bank. He said he will urgently engage the Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority and the Finance Minister to fast-track the project and restore the smooth flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, World Bank Group Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe Nathan Belete reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Zambia through the Great Zambia Tourism Development Project.

Mr. Belete emphasized that improving cross-border trade facilitation is key to unlocking greater benefits for local entrepreneurs and businesses on both sides of the Victoria Falls.

Source: Tourism Minister Urges Speedy Completion of Victoria Falls Border Works (19/11/2025)

Zimbabwe Extends Victoria Falls Border Post Hours To 24/7

 

Victoria Falls Border Post Now Open 24 Hours A Day

In a dramatic move set to transform regional travel, the Zimbabwean government has declared that the Victoria Falls Border Post will now operate twenty-four hours a day. This immediate change, announced in an extraordinary government gazette on Thursday, November 14, 2025, signals a major shift for one of the country’s most vital ports of entry. The border, which previously closed its gates at 10PM, will never sleep again.

The official announcement was made by Nick Mangwana on X, where he shared the pivotal news. The legal basis for this round-the-clock operation is General Notice 2265A of 2025, issued under the Immigration Act.

Mangwana posted:

“VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT NOW OPERATING 24/7. Act [Chapter 4:02], the Minister has extended the operating hours for the Victoria Falls Border Post to twenty-four (24) hours on a daily basis, with effect from the date of publication of this notice.”

The notice itself was formally signed by the Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi. This administrative leap is widely seen as a direct effort to boost tourism and simplify cross-border trade and movement between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

A Boost For Tourism And Trade

Industry experts are hailing the decision as a game-changer. The extended hours provide unprecedented flexibility for tourists wishing to experience both sides of the majestic Victoria Falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders), without being constrained by a strict curfew.

The move is also a major win for cross-border traders and truck drivers, who often faced long queues and costly overnight delays waiting for the gates to reopen at 6AM.

Timing Coincides With High-Level Talks

The border announcement came at a strategically significant moment. It was published just a day before President Emmerson Mnangagwa was scheduled to host Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Harare. The two leaders were set to convene for the inaugural session of the Zambia-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission on Friday, November 15, 2025.

While not explicitly stated in the gazette, the timing strongly suggests that improved cross-border cooperation was a key item on their agenda. According to the original reporting, the move is expressly intended to “facilitate tourism and trade and improve cross-border movement between Zimbabwe and Zambia.”

Source: Zimbabwe Extends Victoria Falls Border Post Hours To 24/7 (14/11/2025)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (11th October 2017) Zim engages Zambia on one border post.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th October 2018) Zim, Zambia sign four MoUs.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th January 2019) Land Shortage Hits Zimra’s Victoria Falls Border Project.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February 2019) Zimbabwe and Zambia to set up one-stop border post in Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th March 2024) Zim, Zambia broaden cooperation.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (14th November 2025) Zimbabwe Extends Victoria Falls Border Post Hours To 24/7.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th November 2025) Mnangagwa, Hichilema co-chair Zimbabwe-Zambia BNC.

Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism

 This year marks a monumental milestone for one of Africa’s most iconic structures, the Victoria Falls Bridge, as it celebrates 120 years of connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe while serving as a vital commercial, historical, and tourism landmark.

Since its completion in 1905, the bridge has stood as a testament to engineering brilliance, linking the two nations across the Zambezi River just a few hundred metres from the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

The bridge, constructed entirely from steel, spans an impressive 198 metres across the second gorge of the falls, with its arch rising to 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the river.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the Emerged Railway Properties (ERP) Board, which manages the bridge, highlighted the bridge’s enduring significance.

“This year marks the 120th anniversary of the most iconic bridge in Zambia in terms of historical, tourism, and commercial significance. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River, just a few hundred metres from the majestic Victoria Falls.

“It is built across the second gorge from the Victoria Falls. It was constructed purely from steel, it spans an impressive 198 metres across the gorge. It is arch-shaped, with the arch rising to a height of approximately 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the Zambezi River,” reads the statement.

On the bridge are a one-vehicle-wide roadway, a railway track, and a footpath in between and on both sides of the bridge.

The bridge is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of only three road links between the two countries.

The Victoria Falls Bridge remains a critical transport and trade artery for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services.

As the only rail link between the two nations, it has played a pivotal role in regional trade, connecting southern Africa to markets as far as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Truck drivers, traders, and tourists alike rely on the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest border crossings in the region.

Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly as both nations continue to explore deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Beyond its commercial value, the bridge has become a world-renowned tourism attraction, offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining, drawing thousands of adventure seekers annually.

The bridge tour provides visitors with unparalleled views of the Victoria Falls on one side and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel on the other.

“Train tours onto and across the bridge every week give hundreds of tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the bridge and its unique ambience, while tasting memorable cuisine aboard the train, and viewing the beautiful sunset!” the ERP Board said.

Despite its age, the bridge remains structurally sound, thanks to rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols.

The ERP Board emphasised the collaborative efforts of engineers and security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in ensuring its longevity.

“The bridge boasts an impressive safety record across the decades as it is managed by experienced engineers who undertake rigorous daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections and management protocols, overseen by a combination of engineers from institutions like the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia, the Zimbabwe Roads Department, specialised Bridge Safety engineers, as well as security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

An independent international engineering firm conducts a principal inspection every five years to assess structural integrity.

The most recent assessment in 2022 confirmed the bridge’s remarkable durability, projecting a lifespan of 200 years from its construction date, meaning it could remain operational until 2105.

“As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls Bridge is generally very healthy, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient for securing the durability. When the items listed in the summary above are taken care of, and the good maintenance practice continued, we assume main structures of 200 years from the original construction, i.e. until 2105 (~2100),” reads the statement.

Source: Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism (21/07/2025)

'Victoria Falls Bridge Safe, Sound'

 EMERGED Railways Properties (ERP), which owns and manages the Victoria Falls Bridge, says the infrastructure remains structurally safe and sound to facilitate trade and movement of people.

Jointly owned by the National Railways of Zimbabwe and the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), ERP built the bridge in 1905 with a life span of more than 200 years.

Located in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, the bridge is one of the key gateways between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Apart from its economic importance to Zimbabwe and Zambia, the bridge will play a pivotal role in facilitating intra-African trade and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA is expected to boost intra-African trade by 53 percent by 2025 with the potential to create up to 30 million jobs and lift 30 million people out of poverty.

ERP said in a statement this week one of its mandates was to ensure the Victoria Falls Bridge was maintained in such a way that its structural integrity remained safe for usage for all approved purposes.

ERP said it had a strict bridge maintenance programme that ensured its intended objectives were achieved and thus activities that included principal inspection were undertaken every five years and deliberately carried out by an international independent consultant.

"Based on the above, ERP now provides assurance to all stakeholders and users of the bridge that the facility remains structurally sound, safe and thus also economically viable.

"The life expectancy of the bridge is in fact estimated at no less than 200 years from the year of construction in 1905 which implies that its life expectancy now still stands at well over 100 years, subject of course, to continuing the rigid maintenance regime which ERP ensures is implemented without deviation," it said.

The last inspection was undertaken in August 2022, every year, a combined team of technical staff from key institutions including Zimbabwe's roads department and the Roads Development Agency (RDA) of Zambia, health and safety experts, and security experts undertake an inspection of the bridge also to ensure the structural integrity of the facility is confirmed.

"Finally, a qualified and experienced contractor undertakes the ongoing and quarterly maintenance of the bridge and regularly checks on the bridge's structural and operational integrity," said ERP.

The latest principal inspection was undertaken by Ramboll, a Denmark-based structural engineering firm and their inspection report states in part: "As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls bridge is generally very healthy, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient for securing the durability.

"When the items listed in the summary above are taken care of, and the good maintenance practice continues, we assume a service life of the main structures of 200 years from the original construction, that is until 2105."

Source: 'Victoria Falls Bridge Safe, Sound' (18/06/24)

Victoria Falls Bridge renovations scheduled to be undertaken

The Victoria Falls Bridge renovations scheduled to be undertaken soon following a deal between the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and a Turkish railway contractor.

Turkish railway construction business Warpi Merkezy, which has operations throughout Africa, is conducting a needs assessment to establish a finance mechanism for NRZ infrastructure maintenance. The Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of these pieces of infrastructure.

Ali Salih Uslu, Business Development Manager at Warpi Merkezy, claimed that they were looking into more simple and technical ways to reduce the cost of NRZ requirements on railway lines.

This is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November following many meetings.

Officials from the company have been in Zimbabwe to evaluate NRZ’s substantial investment in rehabilitating railway lines from Mutare to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

“We will assess to reduce costs for the country, but for now, we have no figures,” Uslu said. “We need additional study and have a projects manager in Zambia. Hence we will combine findings to see what needs rehabilitation, even across the bridge. We will know soon, and we will do our best and come back,” Uslu further stated.

With increasing traffic loads over the years, there are concerns regarding the 198-meter-long, 128-meter-high bridge’s safety.

The bridge was constructed in 1904 and completed in 1905 as part of Cecil John Rhodes’ Cape to Cairo railway scheme.

The Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company of England built the Victoria Falls Bridge for £70,000.

Apart from repainting NRZ and Zambia Railways co-owners, no significant repairs have been made to the bridge.

Martin Dinha, the chairman of the NRZ board, claimed that the company’s equipment and fleet were worn out, obsolete, and vandalised in general.

Warpi Merkezy is returning for a second technical visit to assess how they can fit in and prepare a financial plan for railway line rehabilitation and modernisation, among other things.

Dinha remarked in a Victoria Falls interview that he believes the Victoria Falls Bridge renovations project would gain value and will be able to assist NRZ in modernising.

The Victoria Falls Bridge is located in a no-land man’s between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Source:  Victoria Falls Bridge renovations scheduled to be undertaken (21/09/21)

Zambia shelves Victoria Falls Bridge decision

 Victoria Falls – The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has indefinitely shelved plans to force haulage trucks to use Kazungula Bridge by denying them access through Livingstone-Victoria Falls Border Post.

The ban was supposed to be effective March 1, 2021 and the justification given was the need to reduce the volume of heavy commercial traffic into the resorts of Livingstone and Victoria Falls towns.

Four countries – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe –meet at the Kazungula quadripoint. Botswana and Zambia recently opened a bridge at Kazungula to link the two countries, in a project that Zimbabwe declined to participate in.

A former vice-president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ozious Marange, said the ZRA’s rethink was welcome.

“We are very grateful that Zambia postponed the ban on the use of Victoria Falls Bridge by commercial trucks. They should let transporters freely choose which route to use instead of forcing them to use an expensive one,” he said.

He added that authorities should also consider a transit point at Batoka for transporters moving between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe, nearly 100 haulage trucks daily cross the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe over the Zambezi River. Most of these are 30-tonners carrying copper, coal, coke, cobalt, sulphur and other commodities to destinations that include Angola, Botswana, the DRC, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

However, tourism sector stakeholders support the proposal to induce transporters to transit through Kazungula as a means of reducing noise and air pollution in Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Source: Zambia shelves Kazungula Bridge decision (05/03/21)

Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now

Elation by tourism operators that congestion on the historic Victoria Falls Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe would be eased – following the banning of commercial long haul trucks – was short-lived.

This decision was overturned following multilateral engagements with the Zambian government and several freight and logistics associations representing the interests of commercial cargo transporters who lobbied to have the bridge remain open to them. 

There were also concerns raised that banning trucks from the bridge would put additional strain on the other border posts, especially Beitbridge.

According to a notice issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority, “the impending restriction of transporting exports and imports above 16 tons through Victoria Falls Border Post by rail only in line with Statutory Instruments No 115 of 2020 has been postponed to a date to be communicated”.

Had the announcement not been made, heavy-haul trucks travelling north or south would have been prevented from crossing the Vic Falls Bridge as of yesterday (March 1).

The decision to ban heavy cargo vehicles was made to boost Zambia’s coronavirus-affected travel industry in the world-famous and environmentally sensitive Mosi-oa-Tunya region.

MD of Victoria Falls-based Pure Africa, Elisabeth Curiger, told Tourism Update that the tourism operator understood that the Victoria Falls region was not only relevant for tourism but for other industries too, including trade and transport.

“That said, queues of trucks, congestion and additional traffic on either side of the border are most certainly not conducive for the tourism industry. We do hope that a long-term solution can be found between truckers and the authorities that strikes a balance among all stakeholders.”

Shearwater Victoria Falls Spokesperson, Clement Mkwasi, agreed, noting in an earlier statement to Tourism Update that the tourism industry had always lamented the defacing of the Victoria Falls aesthetics due to the noise and visual pollution caused by trucks in the resorts. “However, in the spirit of regional integration, free trade and free movement of goods should be promoted for the greater benefit of the two friendly neighbouring countries.”

Source: Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now (02/03/2021)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th February 2021) Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February 2021) Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks.

Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks

 ZAMBIA has banned the movement of outbound haulage trucks from using Livingstone-Victoria Falls border post saying the move is aimed at preserving the Victoria Falls Bridge and attracting tourists.

In a recent public notice, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) said the ban, which comes into effect on March 1, will see commercial trucks from Zimbabwe’s neighbouring country using Kazungula Bridge a move that might increase transportation cost for locals and adversely impact revenue collection by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

“This notice serves to inform all customs clearing agents and exporters wishing to export goods listed in the 7th Schedule to Statutory Instrument No.115 of 2020 that they should effect the exportation of their goods through the customs ports and aerodromes set out in the Eighth Schedule to the attached Statutory Instrument — (SI 115 of 2020).

“Further, note that goods for export through Victoria Falls Border Post shall only be transported by rail only effective 1st March, 2021,” reads part of the public notice.

It said the SI 115 of 2020 came into effect on 1st January this year.

“You are therefore advised to familiarise yourself with SI 115 of 2020 to avoid unnecessary delays at the borders.”

Speaking to ZBC News last week, ZRA corporate communications manager Mr Topsy Sikalinda said an SI and public notice had been issued to all stakeholders including exporters and those in the transport and logistics, and clearing sectors regarding the ban of commercial trucks from using the Livingstone-Victoria Falls route.

“We are doing this in order to preserve the bridge and apart from preserving the bridge, we also want to bring sanity in the city of Livingstone as you know Livingstone is a tourism capital.

“We have a lot of trucks that make a lot of noise and bring disorder, so we certainly need to bring sanity,” he said.

Economic analyst Mr Peter Mhaka said the ban on outbound commercial trucks from using the Livingstone-Victoria Falls border post by Zambia would reduce revenue collection by Zimra on the Zimbabwe side.

“Not only will the move taken by Zambia reduce revenue collection by Zimra, but this will add (the) costs of importing as using Kazungula border is relatively far compared to using Victoria Falls,” he said.

Zimbabwe and Zambia have cordial political and economic ties. Last year, President Mnangagwa toured the Kazungula Bridge, which links Zambia and Botswana to assess progress on the US$253 million infrastructure that is meant to enhance trade among Southern African countries.

Under the new dispensation, Zimbabwe joined the Kazungula Bridge project across the Zambezi River in phase two of works in 2019. The country joined Botswana and Zambia, and the three countries have agreed to set up a one-stop border post with offices in Zambia and Botswana sides. — ZBC News/Business Chronicle.

Source: Zambia bans use of Victoria Falls bridge by haulage trucks (08/02/21)

More: Vic Falls Border Still Open To Importers, Traders – Zambia Authorities (08/02/21)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd March 2021) Trucks still to use Vic Falls Bridge – for now.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th February 2021) Zambia clarifies Victoria Falls commercial cargo ban.

 

War over Vic Falls Zambezi bridge

THE tourism industry in Victoria Falls wants commercial vehicles such as haulage trucks to be banned from using the Zambezi bridge saying such traffic negatively impacts on the tourism business.

Tourism executives accuse haulage trucks of blocking the road stretching from Victoria Falls town across the border to the bridge and Livingstone border on the Zambia side as they wait to be cleared.

There are also concerns about massive pollution as most trucks will be carrying smelly toxic substances such as sulphuric acid.

Sometimes tour guides are forced to walk across the border to the bridge with clients as the road will be blocked.

Various activities such as the tour of the Rainforest, tour of the bridge, bungee jumping, and gorge swing among others take place at the bridge.

The issue was raised by an environment expert, Professor Brain Chaltz, on Tuesday at the just ended Africa Union-United Nations Wildlife Economy Summit. He proposed that the bridge be moved about 40KM downstream.

If adopted, this will leave the Zambezi Bridge in Victoria Falls solely for tourism purposes while all commercial vehicles will be relocated downstream.

“The Victoria Falls Bridge was built for tourism more than a century ago but it is now being used for all economic activities. Why not built another bridge about 40km downstream because that way it will be cheaper and quicker as well as shorter for trucks coming from the direction of Bulawayo to cross into Zambia,” said Prof Chaltz.

In response, participants said the future of tourism was at stake. Some suggested that engagements be made with implementers of the Batoka Hydro Electric Project with a possibility of constructing an alternative commercial bridge at the site.

Some also implored representatives of the sector to engage the customs department to possibly introduce scheduled timetables for trucks and tourism.

“We can have all trucks cleared from the truck stop and only go to the border when they are ready to cross. The powers that be should also consider opening the border 24 hours and have trucks cleared and crossing at night so they don’t disturb tourism activities during the day,” said one participant.

Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa, who represented the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) said the industry once raised the issue but nothing was done.

“We once wrote to authorities and we were still hoping that something will be done because there is a challenge with trucks as they block the road and the bridge. Sometimes clients have to walk to the bridge for activities because the trucks would have blocked the road,” she said.

Another tourism executive, Mr Robin Brown, concurred saying the net effect and value of tourism was compromised as a result.

“Even the National Parks are victims because the entrance into the Rainforest is blocked for a greater part of the day and we don’t need that in Victoria Falls. There is also high level of pollution as the border is filled with smell of toxic substances such as sulphuric acid carried by the trucks,” he said.

Safari Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Emmanuel Fundira, who chaired the meeting, said the proposal of moving the bridge was long overdue.

“This is the way to go. You have heard what people are saying, in the interim, there are proposals for various methods of trying to stagger activities between commercial and tourism to minimise the immediate conflict,” he said.

Source: War over Vic Falls Zambezi bridge (27/06/19)

Chinese firm seeks to build new state-of-the-art Victoria Falls Bridge

(11th September 2018)

Chinese construction giant, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has submitted a proposal to Government for the construction of a new state-of-the-art bridge in the resort town of Victoria Falls. The current Victoria Falls Border Bridge, which opened to traffic in 1905, is located at the junction of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

It is the only railway link between the two countries and the only corridor across the Zambezi River in the region. But of late it has been unable to meet the increasing traffic demand owing to limited capacity.

In its project proposal, CCCC said "the construction of Victoria Bridge will not only affectively improve capacity across the Zambezi River, facilitate passenger and cargo transportation in the surrounding areas and promote the development of regional tourism, but will also play a significant role in strengthening regional ties and promoting regional economic development."

CCCC was one of the Chinese companies that met with President Mnangagwa in China last week and expressed interest to invest in Zimbabwe.

CCCC Limited is a publicly-traded, multinational engineering and construction company primarily engaged in the design, construction and operation of infrastructure assets, including highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, subways, airports, and marine ports.

The company has come up with at least three models for the proposed bridge; namely, the "Wing Bridge", the "Flying Bird Bridge" and the "Rainbow Bridge".

The Wing Bridge is a single-tower composite Girder Cable-Stayed bridge, two-lane road standard with sidewalks.

The bridge length is 297m and width is 17,5 metres, and can be transformed into a four-lane bridge.

The Flying Bird Bridge is a twin towers Composite Girder Cable-stayed Bridge, two-lane road standard with sidewalks. The bridge length is 262m and width is 17,5m.
It also has capacity to be transformed into four-lane bridge.

The Rainbow Bridge is a Deck Arch Bridge, two-lane road standard with sidewalks.

The bridge length is 208m and width is 13,5m and can also be transformed into a four-lane bridge.

Source: Chinese firm seeks to build new state-of-the-art Victoria Falls Bridge (11/09/18)

Iconic Victoria Falls bridge may fail soon

 The Victoria Falls Bridge — connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia — has outlived its lifespan and needs to be urgently reconstructed to avert potential structural failures.

Built about 112 years ago, the bridge has outlived its lifespan by 12 years and the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe says it is working with Zambian authorities to fund the reconstruction at a high level estimate cots of $50 million.

This would be done through Emerged Railways Properties, which operates the bridge.
The Victoria Falls Bridge was constructed in 1905 at the height of British penetration of Northern and Southern Rhodesia. The brainchild of Cecil Rhodes, the bridge was designed by George Andrew Hobson. It crosses the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls. The Zambezi River is a border separating Zimbabwe from Zambia and the bridge links the two countries.

Its construction took 14 months to construct and was completed on 11 April 1905.
The bridge has the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and also has a 46-tonne carrying roadway and a pedestrian walkway. Scheduled maintenance of the bridge is undertaken by the National Railways of Zimbabwe as contracted by ERP.

According to the IDBZ, approximately $1 million will be needed for the feasibility study.
Some engineers who spoke to Business Weekly said while the bridge had outlived its lifespan, it might be early to be deemed unfit to bear the weight of heavy loads.

Source: Iconic Victoria Falls bridge may fail soon (09/03/2018)

Victoria Falls Bridge tolling takes effect

EMERGED Railways Properties Pvt Ltd says it has started collecting toll fees at the Victoria Falls-Zambia Bridge as part of measures to ensure that the bridge sustains itself.

Toll fee collection began last month with haulage trucks paying $30, buses $7, minibuses $5 and heavy vehicles $10. ERP joint company secretary Misheck Matanhire said earnings from tourism and adventure were no longer enough to maintain the bridge, hence the toll fess.

“Over the years, the Emerged Railway Properties Pvt Ltd has been utilising earnings from tourism and adventure activities on the bridge as well as from other properties to maintain the bridge. These are, however, now totally insufficient hence the need for the bridge to now sustain itself through tolling,” said Mr Matanhire.

He said an assessment done by Danish Engineering Consultants in 2005 revealed that refurbishment and continued maintenance of the bridge may give the bridge another 100 year lease of life.

“Emerged Railway Properties, which owns the Victoria Falls Bridge, among other assets, is an interstate company owned by Zambia Railways Ltd and National Railways of Zimbabwe in equal shareholding. It is responsible for the Victoria Falls Bridge including its refurbishment and maintenance.

When the bridge attained its 100 years design life, an assessment to determine its structural integrity and remaining life was carried in out in 2005 by Danish engineering consultants, who won an international tender for the assignment.

The assessment concluded that, with certain refurbishment works and continuation of the current maintenance regime, the bridge could be given another 100 year lease of life.

“The ERP has already carried out some of the recommended minor works but requires funding for the rest of the major works as well as the upkeep of the bridge,” he said.

Mr Matanhire said at the moment toll fees were being collected at the Zambian border post by Road Transport Safety Agency.

“It is anticipated that once all logistical arrangements are completed, vehicles crossing from the Zimbabwean side will pay in Zimbabwe,” he added.

Source: Victoria Falls Bridge tolling takes effect (21/02/18)

Vehicle Toll Fees for Victoria Falls Bridge

VICTORIA FALLS, December 15 (The Source) – Vehicles using the Victoria Falls bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia will have to pay up to $30 in toll fees from next year, as the two countries say they need to raise funds to maintain the facility.

The two neighbours share the 110 year old bridge, whose maintenance is carried out by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and Zambia Railways (ZR).

In a statement, issued on Friday the Emerged Railways Properties, a joint company owned by NRZ and ZR said the toll fees will come into effect from January 1.

“Following the enactment of Statutory Instrument 171 of 2012 in terms of Section 6 of the Toll Roads Act (Chapter 13:13) published in the government gazette dated 2 November 2012, all motorists traversing the Zambia-Zimbabwe border of Victoria Falls are hereby notified the Emerged Railways Properties will commence the collection of Toll Fees for the use of the Victoria Falls Bridge effective 1 January 2017,” the statement reads.

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RATSA) will collect the fees on behalf of the two governments at the two border posts and entry points to the bridge.

Haulage trucks will pay $30 while buses and mini buses which are mostly used by tour operators on a daily basis will fork out $7 and $5 per entry respectively.

Heavy vehicles will part with $10 while taxis and small vehicles below two tonnes will be exempted, according to the statement.

The bridge, said ERP in the statement, is key to the socio-economic life of both countries as well as the SADC region hence the need for regular maintenance for it to cope with increasing levels of traffic.

“It is against this background that the government of Zambia and Zimbabwe have resolved to put in place the requisite legal instrument for the tolling of the bridge.

The Victoria Falls toll fees will be used specifically for the refurbishment and maintenance of the bridge in order to guarantee its long term existence.”

The bridge was constructed in 1905 by the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company and is the gateway to the Sadc region.

Source: Zimbabwe, Zambia introduce toll fees for Victoria Falls Bridge (15/12/17)

Victoria Falls bridge under threat says tourism association

The Livingstone Tourism Association has raised concerns over continued congestion caused by heavy trucks at the Victoria Falls in border post in Livingstone, saying it has potential to reduce the lifespan of the facility.

LTA now wants the government to consider closing the Victoria Falls bridge to heavy trucks in order to protect the facility. Speaking during a media briefing in Livingstone, LTA  chairman Mr Alexander Munthali said the Victoria Falls border post has been turned into a truck parking yard because the queue of heavy trucks increases daily.

“We need the trucking business but we do not need it in the middle of the city or at our border entry points like Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border as is the case.

“A by-pass is required to take truck traffic from the west coming from Kazungula to the north of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport to intersect the Lusaka road at the weighbridge area,” he said.

He said the by-pass must be a toll road which can collect revenue from trucks to help in  road maintenance.

The LTA chair argued that the bridge was not built to contain heavy traffic as is the case today.

“The bridge will get damaged and this will be another huge cost for the government. Besides, the recent situation at the border has already instigated different views as circulation on social media is increasing over the issue,” he said.

Source: Victoria Falls bridge under threat says tourism association (10/06/17)

Vic Falls bridge under threat

SHIKANDA KAWANGA, Livingstone

THE Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) has asked Government to consider closing the Victoria Falls bridge to heavy trucks following heavy flow of traffic that has potential to reduce the lifespan of the facility.

And LTA chairman Alexander Munthali expressed concern at the continued congestion caused by heavy trucks at the Victoria Falls border post in Livingstone. Speaking during a media briefing in Livingstone, Mr Munthali said the Victoria Falls border post has been turned into a truck parking yard because the queue of heavy trucks increases daily.

“We need the trucking business but we do not need it in the middle of the city or at our border entry points like Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border as is the case. “A by-pass is required to take truck traffic from the west coming from Kazungula to the north of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport to intersect the Lusaka road at the weighbridge area,” he said.

He said the by-pass must be a toll road which can collect revenue from trucks for road maintenance.

Mr Munthali said the iconic structure was not built to contain heavy traffic as is the case presently. “The bridge will get damaged and this will be another huge cost for the government. Besides, the recent situation at the border has already instigated different views as circulation on social media is increasing over the issue,” he said.

Source: Vic Falls bridge under threat (10/06/17)

Celebrating 111 years of the Victoria Falls Bridge

In celebration of 111 years of spanning the Zambezi gorge and the official opening of the Victoria Falls Bridge on 12 September 1905, the following extract from the new expanded second edition of 'Sun, Steel and Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge' by Peter Roberts tells the story of the opening of the Bridge 111 years ago today.

Official Opening of the Bridge

The official opening ceremony for the Victoria Falls Bridge took place on 12th September 1905. One of the newest 7th Class engines in the country at the time, decorated with two flags (that of the BSAC and the Union Jack), palm leaves and flowers, pulled the six coaches which then halted on the Bridge for the passengers to alight. Mr Allan Bowes is recorded as the driver. The party was met by Major
Robert Coryndon, the Resident Commissioner of North-Western Rhodesia (later Sir Robert Coryndon and Governor of Kenya).

Sir Charles Metcalfe made a welcoming speech and invited Professor George H Darwin (later Sir George Darwin), President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, now the British Science Association, to declare the Victoria Falls Bridge officially open. Professor Darwin, described the honour of opening the Bridge as the ‘crowning glory of the tour.’

The Association had been invited to the Victoria Falls in 1902, with the idea of holding their annual meeting at the Falls and plans to develop the Hotel to accommodate one hundred guests. In the event the main part of the tour and official meetings were held in South Africa, with the trip to the Falls as a special excursion. Logistics must have caused the event committee some headaches, with over 300 members and guests expected.

For the conveyance of the British Association party and other special guests, the Railway Company ran six passenger trains at half hour intervals from Bulawayo. The earlier trains arrived in time to enable guests to visit the Falls for sunrise. Then, after breakfast at the Victoria Falls Hotel, guests proceeded by special train to the Bridge. Those unable to travel on the train were allowed to follow onto the Bridge after the train had arrived. The following day the Bulawayo Chronicle recorded the details of Professor Darwin’s speech:

“He said it was a most fortunate coincidence that this great enterprise had been brought to a stage at which it was proper to declare the bridge open during the visit of the members of the British Association to South Africa. Thanks to the generosity and care of the [Cape] Government Railways, they had just performed an astonishing journey of 1700 miles [2,736 km] in luxury and
comfort. (Cheers.)

One could not but feel that it was almost an impertinence that they should have been able to come, in electrically lighted sleeping cars, with restaurant saloons, to a place which the heroic explorers had spent many months in fruitless endeavours to reach. This was a thing which impressed itself on the imagination. Another thing which impressed them as Englishmen was that they were still under the Union Jack. (Loud cheers.)

“But two days ago they stood by the tomb of Cecil John Rhodes in the Matopas, and, amid that scene of wild beauty, all felt that the grave of the man who had thought in continents was fitly chosen. The great enterprise of the Cape to Cairo Railway, of which this bridge is a part, was due to his inception. It seemed nothing short of a fairy tale to stand on this bridge over the Zambesi. It was due to the influence of steam that this great enterprise had become possible, and he couldn’t refrain from quoting the remarkable forecast, written by his great grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, in 1785:

“Soon shall thy arm unconquered steam, afar Urge the slow barge and draw the flying car.”

“How little could the writer of these lines have foreseen that his great grandson should have the honour of declaring a railway bridge open in the heart of equatorial Africa. (Cheers.) Professor Darwin concluded by declaring the bridge open, touching a button which fused a cord stretched across.” (Bulawayo Chronicle, 13 Sept 1905)

Sir Charles presented Professor Darwin with a special hand-held staff of highly polished Zambezi wood, made by Bulawayo jeweller W H Blackler, in which was set an engraved representation of the Bridge and a gold plated inscription. The staff was designed with a metal loop at the head, possibly designed to be used by Professor Darwin to fuse the connection and open the Bridge.

Many well known scientists, professors and engineers of the time were present; Sir Benjamin Baker, Sir Colin Scott-Moncrieff, Lord Ross, Sir William Crookes and Sir R Jebb to name a few. There was, apparently, much speculation between them as to the exact height of the Bridge above the water:

“There is a story, said to be well authenticated, that at the time of the official opening of the bridge one of the members of the British Association party wished to test the depth of the gorge below the bridge. For this purpose he picked up a stone and took out his watch to note the length of time taken by the stone to reach the water. Absent-mindedly he dropped his watch into the gorge and found himself examining the stone in his hand.” (Southern Rhodesia Publicity Office, 1938)

With the opening ceremony complete the train slowly drew forward amid cheers. The main group of guests alighted on the northern bank where they could explore the Palm Grove or visit Livingstone Island. The remainder of the guests visited the Rain Forest, under the guidance of Mr Allen, and then back to the Hotel for lunch, by which time the train returned with the first group and collected the second group for the trip to the north bank.

Mr E Knowles Jordan, in the employment of the Administration at Kalomo, was one
of those present on the Bridge and described a hair-raising moment for one railway
worker:

“In 1905 the Victoria Falls Bridge was officially opened, and I made one of a party to cross to Northern Rhodesia in the first passenger train. Four or five of us stood on a carriage platform looking at the scenery. As the heavy Pullman cars moved slowly along, a railwayman standing on one of the girders watching the progress of the train suddenly slipped and for a moment it looked as if he would be precipitated into the torrent far below. Fortunately, however, he managed to grip the girder and slowly drew himself into a position of safety.” (Northern Rhodesia Journal, 1951)

Guests were given voucher tickets for the train, tours and meals, issued together with a special commemorative programme. In the evening the Victoria Falls Hotel served dinner for a several hundred guests, after which trips to see the Falls by moonlight were offered.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony was a Mrs Agnes Bruce, wife of Colonel Bruce, and daughter of Dr David Livingstone. Another of the guests at the ceremony, a Miss Catherine Mary Phillimore, composed a rather lengthy poem comparing the majesty of the Victoria Falls and that of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, after who they were named (Rhodesia Railways Magazine, Sept 1955).

At the evening dinner Sir Charles read a telegram from the President and Directors of the Chartered Company, congratulating him on the opening of the Bridge.

“Very fitting that foremost representatives of science should be associated with inauguration of modern engineering. Regret the founder of country is not alive to witness realization of part of his great ideal.” 

Entertainment was provided by the local Barotse Native Police Band:

“Music was supplied during the evening by the Barotse police band, dressed in Khaki uniforms with red turbans, not one of whom knows a note of music, and are taught by having the tunes whistled to them.” (Bulawayo Chronicle, 14 Sept 1905)

'Sun, Steel and Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge' has recently been republished in an expanded second edition, available to order online through Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk - with shipping across the world.

See www.sunsteelandspray.com for more information and post-publication updates.

Also see Peter's second book, 'Corridors Through Time - A History of the Victoria Falls Hotel', also available on Amazon.

A selection of high quality reproduction vintage photographic prints using archive images published in 'Sun, Steel and Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge' and 'Corridors Through Time - A History of the Victoria Falls Hotel' are available to order online through Zambezi Image Company.

Sun, Steel and Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge

Announcing a new, extended edition of 'Sun, Steel and Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge' by Peter Roberts

Sun, Steel & Spray - A History of the Victoria Falls Bridge is a comprehensive history of the Victoria Falls Bridge. Built in 1904-5 as part of the extension of the envisaged Cape-to-Cairo railway north into central Africa, the spanning of the Zambezi River pushed engineering knowledge and construction techniques of the time to new heights, literally, for at the time the Victoria Falls Bridge was the highest of its kind over water.

With close to 100 period photographs over 150 pages, Sun, Steel and Spray is full of interesting facts, entertaining stories and information detailing the rich history of this iconic structure, from conception and construction to its ongoing management and maintenance.

This revised second edition builds on information published in the first edition and is presented in a new revised layout, with expanded text and many additional stories, details and images.

See www.sunsteelandspray.com for more information and post-publication updates. [158 pages, 45,000 words]

Available to order online in the US through Amazon.com and the UK through Amazon.co.uk - with shipping across the world.

First published by the Victoria Falls Bridge Company (2011).
Second Edition Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing (2016).

See www.sunsteelandspray.com for more information and post-publication updates.

Also see Peter's second book, Corridors Through Time - A History of the Victoria Falls Hotel, also available on Amazon.

Ramboll picked for new check on Victoria Falls Bridge

Ramboll has won an international competition to carry out the latest service check on the historic Victoria Falls Bridge at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The riveted steel bridge was built more than a century ago. It has a parabolic arch design and its engineer was George Hobson. It was built in England by Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company, shipped to the Mozambique port of Beira, and then carried by train to Victoria Falls. It took just 14 months to build and was opened in 1905 by Professor George Darwin, son of Charles Darwin. The bridge has a span of 156m across a 120m deep gorge where the Zambesi River marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

photos by Bjørn Nordgaard Lassen

Ramboll said that, even though the Victorian bridge design is exemplary, it needs regular service checks. In the bridge's 100th year, the World Bank appointed Ramboll to conduct a structural analysis. “We examined the bridge in detail and assessed the overall load capacity as satisfactory,” said Bjørn Nordgaard Lassen, chief consultant in Ramboll’s department for bridge and tunnel asset maintenance. “Considering the age of the bridge and the humid climate beneath the great waterfall, the structural state of the bridge remains impressive.”

Ramboll suggested some limited repair work aimed at extending the functional lifetime of the bridge for another 100 years. At the same time, it was recommended that regular check-ups should take place to identify any early signs of potential deterioration.

In an international competition, the owners of the bridge asked for a new check-up in preparation for the necessary repairs. Ramboll has won the new project and will use the calculation model and inspection data from 2005.

Source: Ramboll picked for new check on Victoria Falls Bridge (04/03/16)

Man survives Victoria Falls Bridge fall

By Leonard Ncube

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employee almost plunged into the Zambezi River after he fell off the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Shava, whose age could not be readily established but is believed to be in his 40’s, was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo in a critical condition.

Witnesses said Shava was rescued by his colleagues on the lower ramp of the bridge.

NRZ spokesperson Fanuel Masikati said they were investigating what could have caused the accident as safety measures “have always been in place to prevent accidents.”

“I can confirm that we received a report about one of our employees who got injured while on duty at the Victoria Falls Bridge. We’re investigating the cause of the accident because we’ve never had such an incident since we started working on the bridge as there are safety harness belts and nets which should be in place whenever a team is working,” he said.

Masikati said Shava was an experienced worker who had spent more than 10 years with the NRZ.

The bridge is jointly maintained by NRZ and its railway counterparts in Zambia.

Shava was working with about six other workers when he allegedly tried to scale up the bridge, but lost his grip and slipped.

Added Masikati: “There are safety nets and harness belts and we’re actually shocked about what happened because these things are meant to prevent such incidents. None of our staff on the ground has given full details and investigations are being carried out.

“In all our workshops, safety comes first and we really have to investigate this.”

The Chronicle visited the accident scene yesterday and there were no workers on site.

Source: Man survives Victoria Falls Bridge fall (09/02/16)