The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa50 on Thursday signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo to develop and finance the first road-rail bridge over the Congo River.
When completed, the proposed 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long roadway will help connect the capital cities of Kinshasa and Brazzavile. Currently, ferries help transport people back and forth between the two cities.
“The construction of this bridge will not only connect the two cities but also promote the integration of the region across borders,” said Congo’s Planning Minister Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, speaking at the signing in Johannesburg.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of an investor meeting in South Africa. The African Development Bank said it will raise the financing of the project, which is estimated to cost $550 million.
The bridge will include a four-lane highway, a railroad track, and a pedestrian walkway. The plans are for it to be a toll bridge and there will be border posts at both ends.
No start or competition dates were given for the construction of the bridge.
