The existing crossing was constructed in 1954 and is now in deteriorating condition. As the only Ugandan road connection across the Nile, this is a vital link in the region’s transport network. 

A feasibility study considered six alternative bridge types in three proposed alignments.The most feasible bridge type was concluded to be a cable stayed bridge in the alignment that gave the highest economic benefits derived from savings in vehicle operating and travel time costs.

NCE was hired by Oriental Consultants to carry out detailed structural design of the selected bridge. The bridge has three spans with an overall length of 525 m. The length of the middle span is 290 m and end spans 100 m and 135 m.

The deck is a cellular concrete box girder, 22.9 m wide and 2.5 m deep. The multi-strand stay cables are arranged in a single plane, providing support along the centerline. The 80 m high pylons in concrete are of the inverted Y-shape and founded on 20 m long bored piles of diameter 2.0 m.