An artist’s impression of Mtentu Bridge (Image: NC)
The much-anticipated Mtentu Bridge in South Africa is set to be completed by 2027, despite the eye-watering cost.
When it’s built, the £174m bridge will connect the towns of Mtentu and Umngazi on the N2 national route, easing a bottleneck that has long stood in the way of regional development.
The bridge, which crosses the Mtentu River, is tipped to be a game-changer for the area.
As it stands the river can only be crossed using a ferry system. The new crossing, which will be 223 metres above sea level, will not only facilitate faster, safer travel for local people but will also enable the area to grow economically.
The bridge will connect Mtentu and Umngazi when it’s finished (Image: Getty)
The rough terrain and limited infrastructure in the Eastern Cape, found between Durban and Cape Town, has stymied economic development in the area.
The Mtentu Bridge is set to provide a critical link, slashing travel time between the major cities it sits between.
Locals living in towns scattered across the region are also due to benefit from the bridge and the project is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
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The Eastern Cape is known for its natural beauty (Image: Getty)
Mtentu Bridge is expected to be finished in late 2027. However, in 2019 the Austrian construction company building it pulled out of the project.
As such, many will be reluctant to believe in the bridge until they see it.