Bridges, Culverts & Embankments
Whilst we are primarily interested in the older, historic bridges, we have also recorded some of the more interesting contemporary bridges. In most cases, the original bridge decking has been replaced with a modern, concrete deck however, the original abutments remain as a testimony to the skills of the original architects and builders. Most bridges use basalt as the primary building material which results in dark, imposing, impressive structures.
In Mauritius you can find a variety of different types of bridges including road bridges, disused standard gauge railway bridges and disused narrow gauge railway bridges. Bridges may be publicly accessible bridges or found on private land.
Bridges
Culverts
There are a large number of culverts found throughout Mauritius. Employed where it was necessary to traverse a smaller water course or irrigation channel, there are many different varieties found around Mauritius.
Whilst the majority are box culverts made of basalt stone, you can also find pipe culverts made of boiler plate steel, shaped and riveted requiring significant skill and effort.
Embankments
Mauritius was serviced by around 155 miles of standard gauge railway track on two primary lines and four secondary lines. Embankments were constructed to provide a better level for the track which in turn allowed for a more constant speed.
There were also a number of narrow gauge railways constructed to service some of the sugar mills and embankments were again used to level the track as much as possible.