Conchi viaduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conchi ViaductViaducto de Conchi |
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| Coordinates | 22°01′56″S 68°37′15″W / 22.0322°S 68.6209°W |
| Carries | pipes, road |
| Crosses | Rio Loa |
| Locale | El Loa province, Antofagasta region |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Trestle bridge |
| Material | steel |
| Total length | 244 metres (801 ft) |
| Height | 102 m (335 ft) |
| History | |
| Engineering design by | Edward Woods |
| Construction begin | 1886 |
| Construction end | 1888 |
| Designated: | 29 May 2015 |
The Conchi Viaduct, also known as the Loa Viaduct, is a famous bridge in Chile. It crosses the Loa River, about 68 kilometers from the city of Calama. This amazing structure was built a long time ago to carry a railway line. When it opened in 1888, it was one of the tallest railway bridges on Earth! It stands about 103 meters high and is 244 meters long.
Building the Conchi Viaduct
The Conchi Viaduct was built to be part of the Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia, which was a railway connecting Antofagasta to Bolivia. Construction started in 1886 and finished in 1888. When it was completed, it was the second highest railway bridge in the world. Only the Garabit viaduct in France was taller.
What the Bridge Carries Today
Over time, the railway line was changed. In 1914, the tracks were moved to a different path. Because of this, the Conchi Viaduct no longer carries trains. Today, it is used to carry important pipes and a road that is closed off.
A National Monument
The Conchi Viaduct is a very important historical site in Chile. On June 3, 2015, it was officially declared a National Monument. This means it is protected by the government as a historical landmark. This special recognition was given by the Ministry of Education.
See also
In Spanish: Viaducto de Conchi para niños
