#Overview
Essentially a major refurbishment project, BESIX deconstructed an old bridge over the Sanaga River and rebuilt a new two-lane vehicle structure to bring it up to current standards. The bridge is a crucial part of Cameroon’s economy, improving access to the Mbam and Kim regions.
#Details
Elang-Pont, Cameroon
Ministry of Public Works Cameroon
$28 million
Complete
2010 - 2012
Groupement INTEGC / ECOPE France
20 years
Projected traffic growth
accommodated for with new bridge
8 spans
At 30 metres each
240 m
Vehicle bridge
#Delivery
Harnessing existing infrastructure
Sustainable outcomes
Smart engineering and construction methodologies were applied to ensure the previous bridge’s footings could safely be reused. This started with a thorough inspection and analysis of the existing foundations including collecting core samples as well as magnetic and seismic investigation of the interfaces between the piles and existing abutments. Any undermining of the foundation was filled to reinforce the footings. The existing bridge was then dismantled, and the abutments and pillars rehabilitated.
Adaptability
Harnessing the ebb and flow of the river, the pilings were constructed when water levels were low. The existing structure was also used as a work platform throughout construction minimising the need for waterborne craft. The 550-tonne metal structure including 34 main bearing girders was assembled on the riverbank and hoisted onto its final supports in one piece.
Bridges & Tunnels
Ijzerlaan
Bridges & Tunnels