On December 15, after eight consecutive days and nights of emergency repairs carried out by the project team of China Railway No.9 Group under CREC, the Pont Bundwe Bridge—an important crossing over the Congo River on the N1 National Highway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—was reopened to traffic.
The N1 National Highway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the artery linking the capital, Kinshasa, with the economic hub of Lubumbashi. Located on the Luena–Kabundu section of the N1, the bridge serves as a critical regional transportation bottleneck. On December 7, it suffered structural damage that led to a traffic interruption, severely affecting local residents’ travel and the transport of goods. Following inspections, relevant local government authorities designated China Railway No.9 Group to immediately carry out emergency repairs.
Upon receiving the news, the project team of China Railway No.9 Group swiftly mobilized personnel, equipment, and construction materials, launching bridge reinforcement and repair works at the earliest possible time. After continuous efforts by seven Chinese staff members and thirty Congolese employees, the Pont Bundwe Bridge was successfully reopened to traffic.
As a key node on the N1 National Highway, the reopening of the Pont Bundwe Bridge is of great significance for ensuring the smooth flow of this vital transport corridor, safeguarding local livelihoods, and supporting regional economic operations.
