Why is the bridge in Uruguay round? (5 photos)

Modern bridges are not only an engineering structure, but and amazing engineering masterpieces. This was confirmed by the Uruguayans, erecting an unusual round bridge in the center of a small lagoon.





But why?

After all, with the naked eye it is clear that such a project significantly more expensive and technically more difficult than a conventional direct bridge between shores?

Why and why did not the richest country in the world go to additional expenses for the sake of a round bridge?

And local taxpayers not only did not resent the extra costs, but also supported the project with financial investments?



cross the lagoon

Uruguayans have long suffered with one problem. Between the administrative centers of Maldonado and Rocha were not stable automotive connection. They are separated by a lagoon. Go around it not only for a long time, but not safe either. The shores are washed away by the tides.

At first, they decided to find a way out at the ferry crossing. But the lagoon Garzon between Maldonado and Rocha is shallow. Only a ferry can pass through it with very little displacement. The problem is that on such a ferry fit only 2-3 cars.

The traffic flow between the two administrative centers much more intense - up to a thousand a day. Such a ferry did not solve the issue, but only aggravated it with traffic jams and waiting. In bad weather, he does not can work.

Having reached a dead end, local authorities turned to the government. It was imbued with the problems of Maldonado and Rocha and took the solution of the issue under your control.





The country's authorities turned to the famous architect Raphael Vignoli. In the world he is called the "Uruguayan dreamer". Vignoli adheres to the idea that the structure should not only solve a specific problem, but also ideally "fit" into the local surroundings, culture, bring something completely new and valuable to the life of the country. World the Uruguayan architect became known to the public when he took second place in the competition for projects to build on the site of the twin towers.

Vignoli decided to look at the crossing of the Garzon lagoon much broader than the construction of the bridge.

Unique round

The architect designed a circular structure: road the canvas, going along the flyover along the shore to the lagoon, splits in two and forms a circle. On its halves, traffic becomes one-way lane in each direction. Due to the shape of the bridge, traffic on it limited to 30 km per hour.



Of course, building a bridge "in a straight line" is much cheaper and easier. But even though the Vignoli project required additional costs, the government of Uruguay approved it. In addition, having seen the project, in it was voluntarily invested by local developer Eduardo Constantini. He gave $10 million, the government had only $1 million to add.

Under the control of the authorities, the project was fully implemented: the bridge 250 meters long and 110 meters in diameter on 16 concrete supports erected.

But why did the architect and the government choose such an expensive and non-standard form?

When a bridge is not just a bridge!

The round shape solves two problems at once.

Driving in a wide circle in one direction significantly improves traffic safety. Drivers slow down On Bridge. Headlights don't blind them. In conditions of movement over the sea, where there may be fogs and storms, it is much safer and more comfortable.

The round bridge offers stunning views of Atlantic Ocean and lagoon. Slow safe one way movement allows you to see all this beauty. counter flow is not blocks reviews.



View from the observation deck via Google Maps

In addition, on the bridge at the divergence of the lanes, observation decks where you can enjoy the views. They can also get pedestrians. On the inside and outside of the roundabout for them walking paths are provided.

So the authorities solved two problems at once: the bridge created the necessary infrastructure, traffic has revived, which creates excellent prospects for the development of the region's economy.

Many tourists went to the round bridge. They are their photos and videos not only promote holidays in Uruguay for free with its natural resources, but also create additional jobs for cafes, hotels, gas stations before and after the bridge.

Thereforesti and agreed to a more expensive "round" project. Advertising the beauty of the country is worth the money spent.