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An Engineering Marvel - the Circular Bridge in Uruguay
Vehicle traffic rarely uses circular bridges, despite their abundance. Laguna Garzón Bridge combines the beauty of a circular structure with functionality and scenic beauty.
It is true that the bridge is not very large, but its design and planning generates a great deal of curiosity, exactly as intended by its designers and officials.
In order to usher in a new era for Uruguay, the administration intends to emphasize tourism and sustainability.
Tourism in Uruguay grew significantly from the previous year to 2.9 million in 2015. By building this bridge, Rocha's largely undeveloped coastline will be more attractive to tourists and people.
Circular Bridge Construction Process
The construction of the Laguna Garzon Bridge used more than 450 tons of formed steel, 40,000 meters of post tensioned cables, and 3500 cubic meters of concrete. Therefore, environmental groups have protested it, resulting in controversy.
It will serve as a catalyst for developing Rocha's coastline as an iconic architectural piece. There can be only 35 percent development on the stretch between the two lagoons and 50 percent must be green space.
Reason behind of Circular Space
Designed to halt traffic, the bridge's designers also wanted drivers to look around and appreciate the scenery. The nontraditional circular design was the result of years of government discussion. There are two straight parts measuring 46 meters at the entrance of the bridge, whose radius is 51.5 meters. A pond in the center of the design allows for fishing as well as two lanes of traffic.
Circular Bridge Features
Travelers were limited to crossing Laguna Garzón by rudimentary rafts before the architecture firm came along. Cars were loaded onto rafts one by one and transported to the other side.
As a part of Puente Laguna Garzon, an exciting pedestrian area was created in the center of the crossing, offering panoramic views of an amazing landscape while reducing car speed.
In the future, more than one thousand vehicles will pass through the bridge every day. As well as serving as a tourist attraction, observation deck, fishing spot, and cultural link between the counties of Rocha and Maldonado, the bridge will also serve as a tourist attraction and observation deck.
Release Date & Cost
Developer Eduardo Costantini, who invested 80 percent of the 10 million dollars construction costs, said the building would serve as a catalyst for the development of Rocha's coastline. A nearby development called Las Garzas is also the work of Costantini.
A circular piece of infrastructure was built after six years of public hearings and agreements. Since the bridge's construction began in September 2014, it has been opened to the public a little over a year later.
About Rafael Violy Architects: Architect Rafael Violy Architects were currently constructing a super tall skyscraper in Manhattan that is scheduled to be completed later this year as well as a pair of residential towers in Chicago.
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Lecturer: Engineer Boy
While Maldonado County has been adequately developed, Rocha County remains relatively untouched, as the bridge is supposed to usher in a new era of Uruguayan culture. The Walkie Talkie building, one of London's most famous buildings, was nicknamed Walkie Scorchie after its curved glass facade melted nearby cars' bodywork.
With the same firm that designed Uruguay's sleek Carrasco Airport and the whisper thin New York skyscraper 432 Park Avenue, this project was designed. During its construction, the Laguna Garzón Bridge aimed to get more people across the lagoon and slow down their cars.
