Laguna Bridge is a unique example of a circular bridge design that helps slow down traffic and minimizes the impact on the ecosystem.
Laguna Bridge consists of two semicircular halves, each serving as a one-way roadway supported by concrete pillars. The aim of the engineers was to enable drivers to cross the lagoon smoothly instead of using motorized rafts as before. The bridge was designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the firm behind many famous structures around the world, including the super-tall 432 Park Avenue building in New York, Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo, and the Walkie Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street, London, according to IFL Science.
Laguna Bridge viewed from above. (Photo: CYD Ingenieros).
According to Dezeen, the bridge spanning the lagoon had a construction cost of 10 million USD, built from over 450 tons of shaped steel, 40 kilometers of prestressed cables, and 3,500 cubic meters of concrete. The bridge was completed in 2014, one year after construction began.
At first glance, the shape of the bridge may seem unnecessary, but the architectural firm designed the structure with specific goals in mind. First and foremost, the Garzón Lagoon is one of 22 locations in Uruguay classified as Important Bird Areas, home to species like the Chilean flamingo, the Southern Lapwing, and endangered amphibians like the Darwin’s frog. Therefore, creating a bridge with minimal impact on the ecosystem and surrounding waters is crucial.
“By separating the two lanes on the circular bridge, the design reduces the time spent in any shaded area on the water as the sun moves across the sky, minimizing the affected interface by shading, and improving light penetration and diffusion throughout the water column,” Rafael Viñoly Architects explains.
The bridge is also designed to encourage people to slow down in both directions. The slightly tight turning radius of the structure forces motor vehicles to significantly reduce speed while crossing, encouraging drivers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The pedestrian pathways on either side of the road allow access to the openings at the center and perimeter of the bridge. There, visitors can sit down, fish, and enjoy the scenery.
