The reinforced concrete arch-bridge carries the N2 (National Route 2), connecting Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, across the Storms River Gorge. The river passes 128m below the road. The stiffened bridge deck is 191m in length and the bridge's arch span is 100m. It is a marvel of architecture and engineering and was designed by Italian Riccardo Morandi. The bridge-building project was completed in 1956. An arch bridge transfers the weight of the bridge down along the arch to the abutments where, in the case of the Paul Sauer Bridge, the arch meets the gorge/ canyon walls.

Activities
For visitors who have time available it is possible to not only enjoy the sight of the Storms River Gorge below, but to actually engage in a number of adventure activities to experience it up-close. Amongst other activities, mostly operated from nearby Storms River Village, you can abseil an 80m cliff face in the Gorge below the bridge, do black-water tubing in the Storms River in the base of the Gorge or ride a 22km mountain bike trail through forests and plantations to the mouth of the River (eastern bank). Africa Deluxe Tours will gladly arrange these and other excursions for our clients when requested.

Bungy jumping is not operated at the Paul Sauer Bridge but the world's highest commercial bungy site is not far away at the Bloukrans River Bridge. On the western plateau of the Gorge, just beyond the bridge, you'll find a "one-stop" petrol / gas and refreshment station. The onsite restaurant has a dining-viewing deck, which provides a good vantagepoint to take in the bridge and gorge. The Bridge also has a pedestrian lane - to be avoided if you have a fear of heights…