OREANDA-NEWS. January 30, 2014. More than 18,000 tonnes of rebar produced by ArcelorMittal Annaba, Algeria, are being used to build the foundations of the 1.2km Trans-Rhumel viaduct in Constantine, north-east Algeria.

With seven bridges currently linking Constantine, which is also known as ‘the city of bridges’, the Trans-Rhumel viaduct is already being referred to as the city’s eighth wonder.

Around 14,800 tonnes of the total volumes have already been delivered, and completion by Brazilian engineering and construction company Andrade Gutierrez is due in March this year.

Once completed, the cable-stayed bridge will extend over an impressive length of 1,119m, 80m above sea level. The viaduct will be supported by two 130m-high pillars, and will have two lanes with a total width of just over 37m.

The technical specifications required for the project were extremely stringent, as the bridge – which is also known locally as ‘The Bridge of Independence’ - required special foundations able to withstand potential soil erosion, as well as earthquakes and strong winds, in line with Eurocode standards and local requirements.

Constantine has been affected by major earthquakes in the past, while the bridge’s location spanning the river Rhumel puts the foundations at risk of erosion.

Regarded as the capital of eastern Algeria and the centre of its region, Constantine has a population of 448,374 (1,000,000 in the wider vicinity), making it the third largest city in the country after Algiers and Oran.

Constantine was chosen as the capital of Arab culture 2015, which will be a perfect occasion for visitors to discover this architectural gem - also known as the Bridge of Independence.