SPEECH
A 67 foot piece of concrete brings a rural community greater access to resources, markets, education, and healthcare. The same altruistic chunk of concrete also goes on to bridge the gap between separate ethnic groups torn by conflict. Now, as engineers, you’re probably wondering how can such a feat be accomplished. Well, it all began when the Wisconsin Professional Partners and the Marquette University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders teamed up to construct a new bridge across the Motagua River in Guatemala.
Representing more than just a boon to the local community, the 67 foot concrete T‐beam vehicle bridge was also the means by which the engineering students benefitted from the experience of designing and constructing such an innovative yet unassuming structure. Where the original foot bridge, presumably a 100 years old or more, was actually an impediment to access and progress, the new bridge has already brought about more bus routes, an additional elementary school, and much‐needed access to adult literacy programs, medical clinics, and markets to sell produce.
Possibly the most unexpected, yet entirely welcome, consequence of this bridge is the friendship that has come about between the indigenous Mayan Nations of Quiché and Katachel. For these two communities gravely impacted by a decades‐long war, their joint collaboration in managing the project development has been a watershed in their mutual history.
The project itself was entirely novel in its use of native materials and human power, in overcoming the challenges facing the remote location and lack of heavy machinery like cranes. What had to be used was scoured up from the nearby riverbed and what had to be lifted was made sure to be light enough to be carried by the local workers. Not to be outdone by its down‐to‐earth construction methods, the project also minimized impact on the local environment. Hydraulic analyses were done and optimal locations selected to ensure the impact on water elevations and local crops were negligible, not to mention the reforestation efforts made to replenish the trees that were harvested.
For its tremendous contribution to rural Guatemalan communities and innovation in maximizing the use of local materials and labor, the American Society of Civil Engineers is proud to recognize the Motagua Bridge Project as OCEA Award of Merit contender.