Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg, South Africa

Visit duration: 30 min Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Nelson Mandela Bridge

The Nelson Mandela Bridge crosses the railway lines and sidings just west of Johannesburg Park Station, linking the business districts of Braamfontein and Newtown. Completed in 2003 at a cost of R38 million, it was meant to help rejuvenate the inner city. For 21 years it was the longest bridge of its type in Southern Africa, until the Msikaba Bridge overtook it. Urban designers proposed it in 1993 and named it after Nelson Mandela to honour his role in uniting South African society and the bridge's symbolism of linkage and unity.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The bridge is 284 metres long and was built over 42 railway lines without interrupting rail traffic. It hangs from two pylons, 42 and 27 metres high, and was built with 4,000 cubic metres of concrete and 1,000 tonnes of structural steel. It carries two traffic lanes with a pedestrian walkway on each side, so it can be crossed on foot. At night the bridge is lit in rainbow colours, and it can be seen from the M1 highway, one of Johannesburg's busiest roads.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source