Victoria Falls Bridge Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Victoria Falls Bridge

Carries	road, rail, foot traffic
Crosses	Zambezi River
Locale	Second Gorge of Victoria Falls, crossing the Zimbabwe-Zambia border
Maintained by	national railways of Zimbabwe and Zambia
Characteristics
Design	Parabolic arch
Material	Steel
Total length	198 metres (650 ft)
Height	128 metres (420 ft)
Longest span	156.5 metres (513 ft)
Number of spans	1
Piers in water	0
History
Designer	G. A. Hobson
Construction begin	1904
Construction end	1905

The Victoria Falls Bridge is a famous bridge that crosses the Zambezi River. It is located right below the amazing Victoria Falls. The bridge is built over the Second Gorge of the falls.

The Zambezi River forms the natural border between two countries: Zimbabwe and Zambia. The bridge has special border posts on both sides. These are found in the towns of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia.

Building the Victoria Falls Bridge
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Building the Victoria Falls Bridge

Who had the idea for the bridge?

The idea for the Victoria Falls Bridge came from a man named Cecil Rhodes. He had a big dream to build a railway line. This railway would stretch all the way from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt.

Rhodes never actually visited the Victoria Falls himself. He also passed away before the bridge construction even started. But he gave clear instructions to the engineers. He wanted the bridge built so that trains passing over it would feel the spray from the mighty falls.

Who designed and built the bridge?

The bridge was designed by George Anthony Hobson. He worked for a company called Sir Douglas Fox and Partners. Some people mistakenly think Sir Ralph Freeman designed it. Freeman, who also worked for the same company, did important calculations for the bridge's strength.

The bridge was built in England by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company. After it was built, it was shipped in pieces. It traveled by sea to the Mozambique port of Beira. From there, it was moved by a newly built railway line to Victoria Falls.

How long did it take to build?

Putting the bridge together was a quick process. It took only 14 months to assemble all the parts. The construction was finished in 1905.

The bridge was officially opened on September 12, 1905. Professor George Darwin did the honors. He was the son of the famous scientist Charles Darwin. He was also the President of the British Association, now known as the Royal Society. The American Society of Civil Engineers has recognized the bridge. They call it a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

The bridge under construction in 1905.

What is the bridge made of?

The Victoria Falls Bridge is made from strong steel. It is 198 metres (650 ft) long in total. Its main arch, which is the curved part, spans 156.50 metres (513.5 ft). The bridge stands 128 metres (420 ft) above the lower water level of the river in the gorge.

The bridge is used for different types of traffic. It carries a road for cars and trucks. It also has a railway line for trains. Plus, there's a footway for people to walk across.

How important is the bridge for travel?

This bridge is very important for travel in the region. It is the only railway link between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is also one of only three road links connecting the two countries. The other road links are at Chirundu Bridge and Kariba Dam.

Did trains use the bridge right away?

The Victoria Falls Bridge did not bring the very first train to Zambia. To build the railway north quickly, Cecil Rhodes wanted the line from Livingstone to Kalomo finished before the bridge.

So, a special plan was made. A locomotive (train engine) was taken apart. Its pieces were carried across the gorge using a temporary electronic cableway. This cableway was used to move the bridge building materials. The engineers called it the 'Blondin'. The locomotive was then put back together. It started working months before the bridge was fully built.

How has the bridge been used over time?

For more than 50 years, the bridge was a key part of the main route. Passenger trains used it to travel between what was then Northern Rhodesia, southern Africa, and Europe. Freight trains also used it to carry goods. They mainly transported copper ore (later, copper blocks) and timber out of Zambia. They also brought coal into the country.

What about bridge maintenance?

The bridge is quite old, and it needs regular care. Sometimes, traffic has to be limited because of maintenance. Trains cross at a very slow speed, almost like walking. Trucks were once limited to carrying loads of 30 tons. Larger trucks had to take a longer route. They would use the Kazungula Ferry or the Chirundu Bridge. After repairs in 2006, the weight limit was increased. The bridge might need to be rebuilt or replaced in the future.

What happened during times of conflict?

During a time of conflict in the region, the bridge was often closed. Regular passenger train services were not successful then. In 1975, the bridge was used for important peace talks. People met in a train carriage right above the gorge. They talked for nine and a half hours. In 1980, freight and road services started again. They have continued without stopping, except for maintenance work.

What can you do at the bridge today?

Today, the Victoria Falls Bridge is a popular tourist spot. You can take historical guided tours to learn about how it was built. These tours include a walk under the main deck. On the Zambian side, there is a small museum about the bridge. It's free to enter and has a cafe for snacks.

The bridge is also famous for adventure activities. There's a 111 metres (364 ft) bungee jump from the bridge. You can also try a bungee swing and a zip-line. Safety is always important for these activities.

The bridge was first called the Great Zambesi or Zambezi bridge. Later, it became known as the Victoria Falls Bridge.