Juba Bridge
Central Equatoria
The Juba Nile Bridge consists of two adjacent 252-meter spans crossing the White Nile in Juba, South Sudan, on the Juba-Nimule Road. Originally constructed in 1974 using World War II-era Bailey bridge materials, it was built under a United Nations program with Dutch engineering expertise. The bridge replaced an irregular ferry service, becoming the only access over the Nile into much of South Sudan and facilitating the import of goods from Kenya and Uganda. The structure includes walkways on both sides and rests on five pillars embedded in granite substrate. After damage from hostilities and an accident in 2010 that rendered one lane unusable for heavy vehicles, the bridge underwent major repairs completed in 2012, funded by USAID and coordinated with UNOPS. In 2022, the nearby Freedom Bridge was opened, providing additional crossing capacity. The Juba Nile Bridge remains a critical infrastructure element for South Sudan's connectivity and economic activity.
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Tip: Visitors and travelers should check the bridge's operational status before planning crossings, as periodic repairs have affected accessibility. The best time to visit Juba and use the bridge is during the dry season to avoid travel disruptions. Advance planning is recommended for heavy vehicle transport due to occasional lane restrictions. No specific ticketing is required to cross the bridge.
Interesting facts
- •The bridge was constructed using World War II-era Bailey bridge materials, repurposed for modern use.
- •It was the only crossing over the White Nile into much of South Sudan until 2022.
- •More than 600 tons of steel and heavy equipment were transported around the Cape of Good Hope and driven overland from Kenya for construction.
- •The bridge includes walkways on both sides, uncommon for such a structure in the region.
- •The Freedom Bridge, opened in 2022, cost over 92 million dollars and was built by a Japanese company to supplement the Juba Nile Bridge.
History
The original bridge was constructed in 1974 by the Dutch company De Groot International under a United Nations program, costing approximately $2.5 million, with funding from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Dutch government.
It replaced ferry crossings that were previously the only means to cross the Nile in the region.
Following damage from conflict and structural issues, two Mabey Compact 200 bridges replaced the original spans in 2006.
After an accident in 2010 damaged one span, repairs were prioritized by the South Sudanese government post-independence, with USAID funding.
The bridge was fully reopened in early 2012.
In 2022, the Freedom Bridge was opened nearby to supplement the crossing.
Contact
Phone: 0923 638 423
