Ring-Shaped Laguna Garzon Bridge – The modern-day’s technique of building bridges is really awesome because engineers and architects always look for something unique to benefit the public. They don’t rely on the shortest possible crossing.
The new ring-shaped bridge across Laguna Garzon on Uruguay’s Southern Coast is a perfect example of marvelous engineering. It is located near popular resorts Punta del Este and José Ignacio home to a new development of concrete holiday homes by Adamo-Faiden.
It’s a concrete bridge, consisting of two semi-circular bridges, attached at either end to make a ring and was built to replace a raft crossing between the cities of Rocha and Maldonado. Therefore, the stunning circular design and its architect Rafael Vinoly have a perfectly logical and functional explanation.
One of the best-known designers of London’s Walkie Talkie building, which was nicknamed Walkie Scorchie after the glare from its curvy glass facade, melted the bodywork of nearby cars. The bridge used more than 450 tons of formed steel 40,000 meters of post-tensioned cables and over 3,500 cubic meters of concrete, which has proved controversial provoking protests from environmental groups.
Normally, it is common behavior, for drivers get speed up their cars when they cross a straight bridge, however, this curved design will push drivers to slow down the speed of their cars. Moreover, the curve bridge provides the opportunity to relish the panoramic views of adjacent landscapes.
The magnificent aerial view offers an exclusive scene of an engineering marvel. Furthermore, they’ve also taken care of pedestrians with a lovely walkway. Before the bridge, it was a narrow escape for cars, because the raft crossing allowed only two cars to cross at a time.
Although, the raft operated only at certain times of the day, and during stormy/windy days it remained closed. Moreover, the meager connection has kept the region of Rocha away from more developments compared to what Maldonado has been experiencing in the last decades.
Moreover, the new bridge lets easily the way for some 1,000 vehicles cross the lagoon and is expected to help drive the development of Rocha’s coastline. The Laguna Garzon Bridge took a year to complete and opened in late 2015.
