Pol-e Sefid: a suspended bridge in Iran

The city of Ahvaz is recognized by the suspended bridge which is known as Pol-e Sefid. Karuna river has divided the bridge in two parts:  the East and the West Division. This suspended bridge which is fourth in the world, is first  in Iran.  8 bridges in total cross  the river Karuna, Pol-e Sefid is one of them that has linked the two divisions of the city. However, with the multiple bridges, the city is also well-known as Bridge City in the Middle East region.

The history behind  Pol-e Sefid

In 1933, when the Pol-e Sefid Ahvaz bridge began,  the railroad bridge that was built on the River karuna was the one that was known as Black Bridge. It connected the railroad to the port of  Shapur of that time, now named as Imam Khomeini.

In 1933, the contract for the construction of the bridge was signed between Mirza Ali Khan Mansour, Iran’s Minister of Transportation, and Oscar Lindal, representative of a Swedish company. The cost of building was paid by the National Bank of Iran.

In October 1933, after the site of the bridge over the Karun was resolved,  a German engineer and his wife, took the charge of building of the bridge.

How the  bridge entertains you?

Once at the top of the bridge, you can have a just right view of the beautiful river beneath your  feet. Splitting into 2 parts it connects east,  where factories, oil and steel departments are situated to the west with major uptown areas.

Renovation work

Some restorations work was done in 2010, after the Iran-Iraq war  devastations was imposed, which mostly included wilding the links and old pieces, concreting, rough blasting building floors, and combining  handrails, to gether with repainting.

Visiting time

December to early April is the suggested as the time to visit here. The watching of the flight of migratory birds, is a vista is worth many photos.

Review #2

The iconic suspension bridge in the southern city of Ahavz is one of the oldest modern bridges in Iran stretching across wondrous Karoon River.

What catches your eyes at first look is its remarkable white color, creating the impression of brides’ clothes. Pol-e Sefid, White Bridge, is also called “Arc Bridge”, holding 2 fortified metal arcs.

Built in 1936, the cantilever bridge stands 13 m above the river’s surface. The entirely metal bridge is 501, 2 m long and 9, 8 m wide. Standing on concrete columns, all pieces are firmed with bolts and nuts. Cars drive through with 2 sidewalks on either side. The largest suspending bridge in the Middle East, Pol-e Sefid is ranked 8th throughout the world. However, with 9 bridges, the city is also famed as Bridge City in the Middle East region.

Once atop the bridge, you will have a perfect view of the lovely river beneath yoyr feet. Splitting Ahavaz to 2 parts, it connects east where factories, oil and steel departments are situated to west with predominant residential areas.

Some restorations took place in 2010, after devastations in imposed Iran-Iraq war, which mainly included wilding the links and old pieces, concreting, building floors, abrasive blasting, and consolidating handrails, as well as repainting.

Once carrying carriages and light vehicles as well as herds and people, the one-sided bridge, today, is a transportation route for many cars.

The nationally recorded site hosts tourists from neighboring Arab countries as well as casual Iranian sightseers.

Apart from a joyous promenade on the bridge and taking pleasure from the vivid urban atmosphere, you can also try cruising on waters. Best view of the bridge might be captured at night when the bridge is gorgeously illuminated by dazzling lights.

Recommended times for visits are from December to early April. One must-do here is to watch the flight of migratory birds, a scene worthy of many photos.