Tirantes Bridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tirantes Bridge Puente de los Tirantes
Tirantes bridge at night in 2022
Coordinates	42°26′04″N 8°38′11″W / 42.434371°N 8.636521°W / 42.434371; -8.636521 (Burgo Bridge)
Carries	Motor vehicles, Bicycles and Pedestrians
Crosses	River Lérez
Locale	Pontevedra, Spain
Characteristics
Design	Cable-stayed
Material	steel and reinforced concrete
Total length	125 m (410 ft)
Width	20 m (66 ft)
Height	63 m (207 ft) (pylon)
History
Construction begin	1993
Construction end	1995
Opened	26 May 1995

The Tirantes Bridge is a special type of cable-stayed bridge in Pontevedra, Spain. It crosses the Lérez River, connecting the city's south side to the north side. This bridge is located near the city's Congress Hall.

It was designed by Leonardo Fernandez Troyano and Francisco Javier Manterola Armisen in 1992. The bridge opened in 1995. It is considered one of the most important bridges in Spain.

History of the Tirantes Bridge

The idea for the Tirantes Bridge came from the Xunta de Galicia (the local government of Galicia). They wanted to connect the two sides of the Lérez River. This was part of a big plan to develop the north-eastern part of Pontevedra. This area used to be a Marshland.

The project also included building the Pontevedra Congress Hall. The new bridge would help people get out of the city towards the north. The design for the bridge was chosen in December 1991.

Building the bridge started in April 1993. The construction was tricky because of the tides in the Pontevedra bay. The sea level could change by more than 4 metres. This meant the bridge had to be built in a special way. Workers built it in sections, extending it piece by piece over the water.

On May 13, 1995, the bridge was tested. A total of 480,000 kilograms (like 480 small cars!) were placed on it using 16 trucks. The bridge bent down only 19.3 centimetres. This test showed the bridge was strong and safe. It opened to traffic on May 26, 1995. Since then, it has become a symbol of modern Pontevedra.

How the Tirantes Bridge is Built

The Tirantes Bridge is 125 metres long between its main supports. It does not have any supports in the middle of the river. It has a tall, leaning reinforced concrete pylon that is 63 metres high.

From this tall tower, 17 pairs of strong cables stretch out. The cables at the front hold up the bridge's main deck. The cables at the back are connected to two concrete bases on the ground. These bases act like a counterweight, helping to balance the tower. The bridge deck is 20 metres wide.

The bridge deck is held up by these cables, which are arranged in two lines. They are attached to the middle of the bridge every 6 metres. The tall tower acts as the main anchor for all these cables.

The bridge looks different depending on the weather. When the wind blows, the cables can swing and make a unique sound. This adds to the bridge's special feel.

The bridge used to have four lanes for cars. But in 2013, one lane was removed. This was done to add a bicycle path for cyclists.

Gallery

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  Tirantes bridge seen from west

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  Tirantes Bridge

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  Tirantes Bridge and Congress Hall

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  Tower and floor bases in reinforced concrete

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  Pylon and stay cables

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  The auditorium of the Congress Hall and the bridge in the background

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  Night view

Learn More

In Spanish: Puente de los Tirantes para niños

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