Arrábida Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Santa Marinha e São Pedro da Afurada > São Pedro da Afurada

Location

The Arrábida Bridge is located in Lordelo do Ouro, in the municipality of Porto, and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Construction

Inaugurated on June 22, 1963, the bridge was a response to the need for a new crossing over the Douro River, relieving traffic from the older bridges.

Structure

At the time of its construction, it was the bridge with the largest reinforced concrete arch in the world. The total length of the bridge is 614.6 meters and the width is 26.5 meters, with a central span of 270 meters.

Design

The project was designed by the engineer Edgar Cardoso, with the collaboration of other professionals, including architects and specialized engineers.

Accessibility

The bridge initially had elevators to facilitate pedestrian access. The elevators stopped working in the 90s.

Sculptures

The elevator towers are decorated with bronze sculptures, which symbolize the relationship between man and the river, made by well-known artists.

Importance

Classified as a national monument in 2013, the Arrábida Bridge is one of the six main bridges of Porto, standing out for its architecture and historical importance.

Traffic

In 2011, the bridge recorded an average of 136,000 vehicles daily, being an essential route for circulation in the region.

Visits

It is a popular place for tourists, offering a panoramic view of the Douro River and the surrounding cities.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_da_Arrábida