Pont de l’Enfance – Radical facelift for a bridge in Cameroon: Temporary bridge replaced by permanent structure after 35 years

The bridge “Pont de l’Enfance” in Cameroon, originally built between 1977 and 1979, is situated in Koro, between the villages of Sa’a and Ntui, and crossing the Sanaga River there. A two-lane bridge was originally planned. The single-lane bridge crossing the river up to last year was intended as a temporary structure. Over 30 years later, it is still in use.

The Cameroon government has awarded the contract for the refurbishment works turning it into a modern 2 lanes bridge. The refurbishment has begun with a thorough inspection of the foundations (seismic survey), resulting in an injection campaign at the interface with bedrock. The existing superstructure of the bridge has been completely dismantled. On the existing foundations, extensions of piers are then erected, together with abutments capable of bearing a new combined bridge deck. The metal skeleton composed of 34 main bearing girders has been assembled at one bank. The metal structure has been hoisted in one go from to the other bank and was let down onto its final supports. Precast collaborating roadway elements have been installed and connected after launching.

The complexity of the project lies in the fact that the works have to be scheduled according to the water level of the Sanaga River. This is because the piers need to be refurbished and extended in dry conditions. The current bridge deck has been used as a work area, eliminating the need to use waterborne craft to gain access to the site.