
Faidherbe Bridge – Saint-Louis, Senegal
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tmob
N 16° 01.545 W 016° 30.077
28Q E 339380 N 1772363
Faidherbe Bridge, is an impressive truss bridge located in Saint-Louis, Senegal
Waymark Code: WM1C6P1
Location: Senegal
Date Posted: 06/17/2025
Views: 0
The Faidherbe Bridge (Pont Faidherbe) is a historic metal truss bridge that spans the Senegal River, connecting the island city of Saint-Louis to the mainland. Opened in 1897, it is one of the most iconic engineering structures in West Africa.
The bridge features multiple steel through-truss spans, with a total length of approximately 507 metres. Its elegant yet robust lattice design reflects the industrial engineering techniques of the late 19th century. Though often mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, the bridge was actually constructed by the French company Nouguier, Kessler et Cie.
Saint-Louis is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and its UNESCO World Heritage status. The bridge is not only a transport link but also a symbol of the city — regularly photographed by visitors walking along the promenade. The nearby riverbanks are also a popular area for kite surfing and local fishing activity.
Additional Notes
Opened: 1897
Length: 507 metres
Number of spans: 7
Type: Through truss bridge
Current use: Vehicles and pedestrians
Enjoy discovering this remarkable example of historical truss engineering in the heart of West Africa!