Megaobra: Portugal inaugurates the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world

AROUCA, Portugal.- Extreme tourism. Portugal today inaugurated the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, 175 meters above the Paiva River, in the north of the country, and which, with more than half a kilometer in length, surpasses the record set in 2017 by the Charles Kuonen footbridge in the Swiss Alps.

The Lisbon 25 de Abril was, until now, Portugal’s most famous bridge, but it was relegated by a suspended walkway. His name is 516 Arouca, whose rebellious mesh floor challenges those with a phobia of heights.

However, his size is not his most famous fact, but The 516 meters in length that in addition to giving it a name, make it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the planet.

The bridge crosses a granite ravine in the municipality of Arouca and is made up of 127 mesh plates with metal balustrades 1.20 meters wide, fixed by steel cables to “V” shaped pillars located at each side. end.

Co-financed by European funds, the project took its first steps in 2016, but only started in 2017, due to some unforeseen events that not only delayed its construction, but also forced a change of the original location, according to the mayor of Arouca and the project manager, Margarida Belém. in an interview with the newspaper The country Last year.

“One of the most important unforeseen events was the difficulty of the local topography and the need to create access conditions. We had to throw the first rope between the two concrete pillars. This allowed the assembly of the system, which helped the builder to pitch the steel cables and metal surfaces, ”the mayor said.

“Although the construction of the bridge was completed some time ago, this inauguration is important because it allows us to resume our tourist activity,” he said. AFPTV the Alcaldesa d’Arouca, Margarida Belem, touting a “Fundamental attraction” for the region.

This part of the Paiva River already has an eight-kilometer wooden footbridge that winds through the valley. Before the official inauguration next Sunday and its opening to tourists the next day, the inhabitants of the district were able to discover the structure before everyone else.

“I live here and when I first heard about this bridge project, I really couldn’t believe it. But today I am very proud to be here, ”commented one resident, Marcio Soares, who described a“ unique experience ”.

“I strongly advise you to come, even if, like me, you have vertigo, I must admit that I did not suffer at all,” said another resident, Rui Brandao.

Agencia AFP

THE NATION