The Vasco da Gama Bridge (Ponte Vasco da Gama in Portuguese) is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It was officially inaugurated on 29 March 1998, just in time for Expo 98, the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition. Named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India in 1498, the bridge was built to alleviate congestion on the 25 de Abril Bridge and to improve road connectivity between the north and south of Portugal.
At 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles) long, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe and one of the longest in the world. Its construction took about three years, with work starting in February 1995. The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes and harsh weather conditions, ensuring durability for at least 120 years. It consists of multiple sections, including a main cable-stayed section, long viaducts, and approach roads, allowing vehicles to cross at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
Today, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is a vital infrastructure link, playing a key role in Lisbon's transport network. It significantly reduces travel time between different regions of Portugal and remains an architectural landmark, symbolizing modern engineering and Portugal’s maritime heritage.
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