END OF AN ERA: Zambia, Zimbabwe to Ban Heavy Freight from Victoria Falls Bridge

VICTORIA FALLS — The historic Victoria Falls Bridge, a 120-year-old engineering marvel that has long served as a vital artery for regional trade, is set to undergo a major transition. President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has announced that both Zambia and Zimbabwe will formally restrict heavy trucks and trains from using the bridge to protect its structural integrity.

The announcement, made during the Engineering Institution of Zambia conference, marks a definitive shift in regional transport policy, prioritizing the preservation of the landmark over its historical use as a commercial crossing.

Completed in 1905, the bridge was never engineered to withstand the massive volumes of modern heavy cargo now moving across the Zambezi. For years, engineers have raised concerns about the stress placed on the bridge’s original ironwork by modern 30-plus-tonne haulage trucks.

"Protecting this bridge is not just an engineering necessity; it is a commitment to safeguarding one of southern Africa's most iconic tourist attractions," officials noted during the conference.

By removing the constant vibration and heavy load strain, authorities hope to extend the lifespan of the structure for future generations.

The restriction is expected to divert bulk freight to more modern and capable corridors, specifically the Kazungula Bridge and the Chirundu border crossing. The Kazungula Bridge, a modern multi-national infrastructure project, was designed precisely to handle the high volumes of heavy commercial traffic that have historically choked the Victoria Falls route.

For the tourism industry in Victoria Falls and Livingstone, the move is being hailed as a major win. The constant presence of long-haul trucks has long been a source of noise, visual pollution, and traffic congestion in what is otherwise a premier international tourism hub. Reducing heavy traffic is expected to significantly improve the visitor experience, making the border crossing smoother and the town centers quieter.

The decision reflects a growing maturity in regional infrastructure planning. With the commissioning of the Kazungula Bridge, the reliance on the ageing Victoria Falls crossing for commercial transit has become increasingly redundant.

While logistics companies may initially face adjustments in their supply chain routes, the long-term consensus is that the regional economy will benefit from more efficient, high-capacity routes like Kazungula, which allow for faster turnarounds and lower long-term maintenance costs for haulers. The ban is expected to be phased in, with authorities working closely with freight associations to ensure a smooth transition to alternative routes.

Victoria Falls bridge heavy truck ban 2026