A 230-ft-long suspension bridge over the Quebrada La Majada River in Nicaragua serves as a lifeline for 1,000 residents of the Conega region. Volunteers with the non-profit group Bridges to Prosperity spent two years building relationships with local contractors, masons and skilled laborers.

The challenge was to build a high-quality structure without access to electricity or major equipment. The team designed a reinforced tower utilizing masonry block, the most readily available material. Preassembled steel crossbeams with steel rebar hangers support a timber-surfaced deck. The $25,000 bridge now provides the first safe access to medical care, commerce and education for an entire community.

Location El Rodeo, Nicaragua

Project Team

Owner Condega Municipality, Nicaragua

Developer Bridges to Prosperity, Denver

Lead Design firm McNary Bergeron, Broomfield, Colo.

General Contractor Flatiron Construction, Firestone, Colo.

Participating Contractor Turner Construction, New York City