Nelson Mandela Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nelson Mandela Bridge |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates | 26°11′48″S 28°02′03″E / 26.1967°S 28.0342°E |
| Carries | 2 lanes of vehicles and pedestrian traffic |
| Crosses | Railway yard (42 lines) |
| Locale | Johannesburg |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Dissing+Weitling |
| Total length | 284m |
| Height | 27m |
| Longest span | 176m |
| History | |
| Opened | 2003 |
The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a famous bridge in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was finished in 2003. This important bridge helps connect two busy parts of the city: Braamfontein and Newtown. It was named after Nelson Mandela, a very important former President of South Africa.
Contents
The Nelson Mandela Bridge: Connecting Johannesburg
The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a special landmark in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was opened in 2003. This modern bridge helps people and cars travel easily. It connects the areas of Braamfontein and Newtown. These are important business and cultural parts of the city.
Why Was the Bridge Built?
Before the bridge, these two areas were separated by many railway lines. There were 42 railway lines in total! This made it hard for people to move between Braamfontein and Newtown. The bridge was built to solve this problem. It made travel much faster and safer. It also helped these two areas grow and develop.
How Was the Bridge Designed?
The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a type of bridge called a cable-stayed bridge. This means its deck (the part you drive or walk on) is supported by strong cables. These cables connect to tall towers. The bridge has two lanes for vehicles and paths for people walking. It is 284 meters (about 932 feet) long. The main part of the bridge, called the main span, is 176 meters (about 577 feet) long. The bridge is also 27 meters (about 89 feet) high. It was designed by a company called Dissing+Weitling.
Who Was Nelson Mandela?
The bridge is named after Nelson Mandela. He was a very important leader in South Africa. He fought for freedom and equality for all people. Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994. Naming the bridge after him honors his legacy. It reminds everyone of his work for a united South Africa.
Images for kids
-
A robot, symbolizing innovation and the future.
