Comprehensive Bridge Development Program model includes structured financing arranged by Acrow as well as full training of Zambian engineers, technicians and contractors for on-site installations

(Parsippany, New Jersey) – 25 April 2019 – Acrow Bridge, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, has announced the shipment of more than 130 bridges to the Road Development Agency of the Republic of Zambia. Installation of the structures will be carried out exclusively by Zambian engineers, technicians and contractors, who will be trained in the field by Acrow on the assembly, installation and maintenance of this critical bridge infrastructure.

The bridges will contribute to the integration of remote rural communities into the broader domestic and regional economy and will enhance access to basic services. The bridges supplied are comprised of single and multi-span structures of one- and two-lane widths, ranging from 12 meters to more than 100 meters in length. The structures will be installed throughout the country by the local Zambian workforce.

For over 60 years, Acrow has provided infrastructure solutions to more than 80 countries. During the past two decades, it has supplied more than 20 African nations with more than 1,000 bridges. Through its Comprehensive Bridge Development Program model, Acrow has implemented a number of large financed infrastructure development projects in Africa, including the supply of more than 150 bridges to the Government of Angola, 100 bridges to the Department of Feeder Roads in Ghana and most recently, 44 bridges to the Government of Cameroon. An important part of these projects has been the extensive skills transfer to local trainees.

Acrow Bridge is an ideal partner for large-scale financed infrastructure development projects. Leveraging a global network of financial institutions and other sources of capital, Acrow can arrange financing for qualified bridge projects and facilitate the process of securing export credit guarantees and other development finance arrangements. Acrow’s project in Zambia drew upon export credit guarantees issued by Export-Import Bank of the United States.

The modular design of the structures allows for the easy customization of each bridge to meet specific requirements as well as fast installation performed in days to weeks utilizing the local workforce and minimal heavy equipment, enabling bridges to be erected in challenging, remote locations. Fabricated in the U.S. from high-strength, high-quality U.S. steel and hot-dip zinc galvanized to protect against corrosion, Acrow bridges are durable and permanent infrastructure solutions designed to withstand even the most rugged of conditions with a service life of 75 years or more.

“Bridging is an important infrastructure asset in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for the support and development of agriculture as well as the integration of remote rural communities into the broader domestic and regional economy,” said Paul Sullivan, Senior Vice President – International at Acrow Bridge. “This important project demonstrates Acrow’s commitment to providing high-quality bridge infrastructure solutions with a special focus on local skills development.”

Bill Killeen, CEO of Acrow Bridge, added, “Our partnership with the Zambian Government will provide the country’s citizens and businesses with strong and durable bridges, made of American steel and manufactured in the United States to the finest international quality standards. We are eager to continue to partner with Sub-Saharan African nations to support sustainable infrastructure development, a cornerstone of trade competitiveness locally and globally.”

About Acrow Bridge
Acrow Bridge has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 60 years with a full line of modular steel bridging solutions for vehicle, rail, military and pedestrian use. Acrow’s extensive international presence includes its leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 80 countries, covering Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com.