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Birchenough Bridge
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The Birchenough Bridge is an elegant steel arch bridge spanning the Save River in Manicaland Province, eastern Zimbabwe. Named after Sir Henry Birchenough, the former chairman of the British South Africa Company, the bridge was completed in 1935 and was one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world at that time. The design was produced by Ralph Freeman, the renowned engineer who also designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With a span of 329 meters, it was a technical masterpiece of its era, connecting the remote eastern areas with the rest of the country. The bridge was funded by the Beit Trust, a charitable organization that significantly promoted infrastructure in former Rhodesia. The structure is depicted on the Zimbabwean 20-cent coin, highlighting its national importance. Although it is now subject to weight restrictions for heavy trucks, it remains a crucial link in the transport network between Mutare and Masvingo. The distinctive silver structure of the arch is visible from a great distance in the flat savanna landscape.
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Nearby: Chipinge (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 193 | 180 | 170 | 86 | 30 | 27 | 28 | 8 | 22 | 43 | 104 | 219 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The bridge has a total span of 329 meters without any piers in the river.
- It was officially opened to traffic in December 1935.
- Engineer Ralph Freeman used a design similar to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Sir Henry Birchenough and his wife's ashes are interred within the bridge's pylons.
- The construction cost was approximately 145.000 British Pounds at the time.
- The bridge is featured on Zimbabwe's 20-cent coin due to its significance.
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