The Avontuur Branch Line
The Port Elizabeth-Avontuur Narrow Gauge line was authorised in 1899, with construction starting in 1902. In late 1906, it reached the end point at Avontuur and officially opened early in 1907. A main line track covers a length of 177 miles (284kms) from Port Elizabeth to Avontuur – this is the longest narrow gauge railway line in the world, crossing Van Stadens Railway Bridge, the highest narrow gauge railway bridge in the world. In 1914, the 30km Branch Line, from Gamtoos Station to Hankey and Patensie was opened to serve this rich irrigation farming area.
This bridge crosses the Loeriespruit, a tributary of the Gamtoos River, just before the train would have reached the Melon station.
Park at the parkinbg coordinates for a quick walk to the bridge.
Please be careful on the bridge. The walkway is narrow.