New Suspension Bridge being built at Royal Anglian Way

GIBRALTAR’S newest enhancement to the Upper Rock, which is also a new tourist attraction, will be a 71 metre long suspension bridge at Royal Anglian Way.

This exceptional feat of engineering will be constructed over a 50 metre gorge with the work undertaken by local firm Bovis Koala and is part of the government’s refurbishment programme of the Upper Rock within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.

The project which involves anchoring and foundation works, has been carried out in conjunction with the Spanish contractor I Muntanya, who specialise in suspension bridges in the Pyrenees. The main structure of the bridge was assembled in Spain and is currently in the process of being installed. Government expects the work to be completed by the end of March.

The suspension bridge will form part of a sustainable tourism initiative, which includes the clean-up and restoration of Upper Rock country walks to encourage a healthier lifestyle and outdoor activities. This will complement the innovative Nature Lover, History Buff, Let’s Go Ape and Thrill Seeker trails, marketed as part of a concerted drive to rebrand the Upper Rock and upgrade tourist infrastructure.

As with the restored walks and paths, the suspension bridge offers residents and tourists the opportunity to experience Gibraltar’s primary natural asset and renovated heritage features in a new and exciting manner.

As part of the current administration’s unprecedented investment in the Upper Rock, formerly derelict areas of historical interest have been reopened to the public, key heritage sites restored and picnic and rest areas also provided.

The Ministers for the Environment and Tourism both attended the start of the works and expressed their pleasure at the construction and improvement it would bring to the Upper Rock.

Whilst it may not rival the Caminito del Rey in Malaga Province, this is another interesting and usual addition to the tourist attractions on the Rock.