Laguna Garzón Bridge: a bridge with an unusual circular shape
Puente de Laguna Garzón is a bridge crossing the Laguna Garzón in Uruguay, on the border between the Maldonado and Rocha departments. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Where is Laguna Garzon Bridge?
It is located in a prime area of Uruguay, very close to the oceanic beaches of Maldonado and Rocha, which attract thousands of tourists throughout the summer season to enjoy their waters.
Why is Laguna Garzon Bridge famous?
The bridge is famous for its unusual circular shape and was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. It is designed in a circular shape to force drivers to slow down and allows for pedestrian access along the one-way circular route, including crosswalks that provide pedestrian access to either the inner or outer sidewalks of the circle. It is a remarkable architectural marvel, innovative and unique in Uruguay. Its ring shape, supported by a series of columns, allows the free flow of changes in the lagoon and also accommodates the use of boats, a typical feature of the area.
When was Laguna Garzon Bridge built?
Laguna Garzón was previously served by a small 2-vehicle ferry that required daylight and good weather to operate. The bridge replaced the ferry in December 2015, providing a crossing for pedestrians and up to approximately 1,000 vehicles a day. Construction for the Laguna Garzón Bridge began in September 2014 and ended in December 2015. It cost $10 million to build, 80 percent of which was provided by Argentine real estate developer Eduardo Costantini. To build the bridge, 450 tons of steel, 500 cubic meters of concrete, and 40,000 meters of cables were used. It was planned with the minimum number of pillars (16) and made tall enough to allow boats to pass freely underneath. The 16 pillars, spaced 20 meters apart, support two ramps and a central ring road that crosses the lagoon. Pedestrian paths on both sides of the traffic lanes provide access to the central opening of the bridge and its perimeter, allowing people to sit, fish, and enjoy the views.
Who built Laguna Garzon Bridge?
The project was designed by Rafael Viñoly, a renowned Uruguayan architect known for numerous international works and for designing the new Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The circular bridge was carefully designed to protect the existing ecosystem.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic: Nestor Motta