Malleco Viaduct facts for kids
The Malleco Viaduct is a famous railway bridge in central Chile. It crosses high above the Malleco River valley. You can find it south of a town called Collipulli, in the Araucania Region. When it opened on October 26, 1890, it was the tallest bridge of its kind in the whole world! The Panamerican Highway, a very long road, runs right next to it.
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Building a Giant Bridge
The Malleco Viaduct was officially opened by President José Manuel Balmaceda on October 26, 1890. At that time, it was an amazing feat of engineering. It was the highest railway bridge in the world, showing how advanced Chile was becoming.
Who Designed the Malleco Viaduct?
Many people used to think that the famous French engineer Gustave Eiffel designed this bridge. He's known for the Eiffel Tower! However, that's a myth. Gustave Eiffel did suggest a design for the bridge, but the Chilean government didn't choose it.
The real designer was a talented engineer named Aurelio Lastarria. The company that built the bridge was Schneider et Cie. O Le Creusot, another French company from France.
A National Treasure
In 1990, the Malleco Viaduct was declared a national monument. This means it's a very important historical structure that needs to be protected. It's seen as a symbol of progress for Chile. Even former President Ricardo Lagos mentioned it as a sign of how far the country has come.
See also
In Spanish: Viaducto del Malleco para niños
