Phase Three: Connecting the bridge to the road

Building the roadways to each side of the bridge is our team’s next challenge.

The ramps must be strong enough to carry the heavy vehicles that will dig wells and construct buildings. They must also be durable enough to direct the river flow under the new bridge.

First, workers build a foundation of large rocks under the road, and sandbags for the riverbanks. Next, they add layers of earth and gravel to form the new road.

The final step - still in process - is pounding the top layer of earth and gravel to create a long-lasting link to the rest of Cameroon, and creating a deeper channel for the river.

Heavy rocks form a strong foundation for the ramps at each side of the bridge.

The first layer of earth covers the rocks, and sandbags form the new river banks.

A layer of gravel creates a strong and smooth incline to the bridge.

The gravel extends to the roadway on both sides of the bridge.

A second layer of earth covers the gravel as the roadways take shape.

The ramps do double duty by forming new banks for the river.

Old growth waits for removal to deepen and clear the channel for the new river.

The pounding machine is on the way, but final contours of the bridge are in sight.