The construction of the John Magufuli Bridge in Tanzania, initiated in late 2019, is nearing completion, with an expected delivery date of December 2024.
The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TNRA) reports that the project is 88.2% complete following recent inspections.
A Strategic Link Across Lake Victoria
The 3.2 km bridge, designed to connect Kigongo and Busisi in the Mwanza region, aims to facilitate faster and safer transportation across Lake Victoria.
This strategic link will enhance connectivity with neighboring landlocked countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.
Enhancing Trade and Reducing Travel Time
Once completed, the bridge will significantly increase daily traffic capacity from 1,200 to 12,000 vehicles, transforming Mwanza into a major commercial hub for the Lake Victoria region.
The project, fully funded by the Tanzanian government at an estimated cost of $265 million, is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and the China Railway 15th Bureau.
Replacing Ferries and Improving Safety
The TNRA aims to replace the ferries and other vessels currently used for Lake Victoria crossings, enhancing safety and efficiency. Currently, vehicles can take up to three hours to cross the lake by ferry, with two hours spent waiting in line. The Magufuli Bridge will drastically reduce travel time and improve transportation security.
The Magufuli Bridge will complement the developing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network, creating a multimodal transportation system that will further boost trade and economic development in the region.
This integrated approach will not only benefit Tanzania but also its neighboring countries, opening up new opportunities for regional cooperation and growth.