The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal, spans 17.2 km (10.7 miles) across the Tagus River, making it the longest bridge in the European Union and one of Europe's longest bridges.Overview and Purpose
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with extensive viaducts that crosses the Tagus River estuary in Lisbon, Portugal . It was constructed to alleviate congestion on the older 25 de Abril Bridge and to allow traffic between northern and southern Portugal to bypass the city center . The bridge carries the A12 expressway and accommodates six lanes of automobile traffic, with the potential to expand to eight lanes as traffic increases .
Construction and Design
Construction began in February 1995 and the bridge was inaugurated on March 29, 1998, in time for Expo 98, celebrating the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India . The project was completed in just four years, involving a consortium of Portuguese, British, and French companies . The bridge is designed to last 120 years, withstand winds up to 155 mph, and endure earthquakes stronger than the 1755 Lisbon earthquake . The cable-stayed section features two H-shaped pylons standing 150 meters (492 feet) high, with a main span of 420 meters, while the Central Viaduct stretches nearly four miles, allowing medium-sized ships to pass beneath . The bridge required 730,000 m³ of concrete, making it one of Portugal's largest civil engineering projects .
Traffic and Toll Information
The bridge has a speed limit of 120 km/h (75 mph), reduced to 90 km/h (56 mph) in adverse weather . It is a toll bridge, with fees charged only when entering Lisbon: €3.20 for cars and €7.15 for vans or campervans, payable by cash or debit card .
Significance
At the time of its inauguration, the Vasco da Gama Bridge was the longest bridge in Europe, later surpassed by the Crimean Bridge . It is a landmark of modern engineering, combining length, safety, and environmental considerations, including measures to protect the Tejo Estuary Natural Park . The bridge has significantly improved traffic flow in Lisbon and remains a vital link connecting the northern and southern regions of Portugal .
