The long awaited Laguna Garzon Bridge is set up.

The Ministry of Transport has eyeballed the prospect of a bridge over the lagoon since 1950, but the project did not start until May 2013. Many years ago a bridge was started to build but half way technical  problems and running out of funds stopped the project. It took me a while to drive along and have a look on this spectacular bridge site. Worth to see and to spend a few hours at the laguna. Now I can share it with you.

   The Laguna Grazon Bridge and the floating hotel.

Over decades the ruin blighted the environment. Now the new bridge will replace the current system of rafts that connect the two cities, which allowed only two cars to pass at time, depriving Rocha of the development frenzy seen in Maldonado.

    And already seen on google maps.

After six years of public hearings and agreements, the bridge that connects Rocha and Maldonado counties is a reality today. Eduardo Costantini, Argentinian real estate magnate and a Las Garzas developer and owner of Las Garzas Guesthouses and more, was the initiator and driving power . It is an iconic architectural piece designed by Rafael Vinoly, Uruguayan and international known architect.

 
Vinoly left and Constantini right.

The bridge was officially opened the 22nd of December 2015, together with official authorities. This marks a cornerstone in the economic growth and development of Uruguay. The Consultatio company Las Garzas was a key player in consolidating the project.  The final cost of the project is around US$11 million, with the state providing about US$ 1.8 million, almost US$ 10 million were invested by Constantini.

  The past: abandoned bridge and the 2 ferry’s.

National State and Consultatio.

„The joint effort of the National State and Consultatio made the building of the bridge possible. All legal and environmental requirements were observed and the participation of architect Rafael Vinoly greatly benefited the project“, states Eduardo Costantini. “It is an iconic architectural piece that will be a catalytic factor in driving the development of Rocha’s coastline, especially protected to preserve direct contact with nature.

  Another view of the circular bridge.

Just 35% of the stretch between the two lagoons can be developed and 50% must be devoted to green areas”, Costantini also points out at the opening speach.
The Laguna Garzon Bridge will be an essential connection between Rocha and Maldonado counties and will improve communication in this area. It was designed  as a “lagoon inside a lagoon” and is at the same time an observatory, tourist and fishing spot.

   Beautiful fishing in the laguna arms.

The project is round shaped with a concrete structure built on piles. There is a sector for car traffic (it is estimated that about 1000 vehicles per day will be crossing it) and one for pedestrians with an external walkway and an internal covered one.

  A couple years ago I was so happy to reach the ferry without a waiting traffic jam. Ha ha it was just a quarter past 12.00 !! Waiting 2 hours for the next ferry? This is over now, 24/7 the traffic can roll.

From the environmental point of view, the project presented by Vignoly was approved not only because of its unique design, but also because it fits the high environmental standards in Rocha.

   Nightfall over the laguna, front the floating hotel.

Some facts about the Laguna Garzon Bridge.

In September 2014, construction company Saceem started building the bridge that today replaces the former raft crossing. It was completed after 12 months.
Among the challenges, it is worth pointing out:
– Project with a high degree of geometrical complexity.
– Constructive procedure and use of high technology to meet deadlines.
– Complex post-stressed system which required engineering and the use of imported
equipment from Europe to carry out this project.
– Design of a wide variety of building processes and execution of multiple elements for
their implementation.
– Transportation and mounting of 70- ton pieces.

  An architectural masterpiece in Uruguay.

Just like a roundabout, it will slow down drivers heading over the environmentally sensitive lagoon, while providing new pavilions and views for pedestrians and adding to the simple beauty of the land. further interesting is, that a similar design of a circular bridge system, only exists 3 other times (may be one or two more) in the whole world.
See down here the examples.

    Pedestrian bridge in Beijing, China.

   Hiyoshi dam bridge in Japan.

   The Hovenring in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

   And finally again the new „Circular“ of Uruguay.

Hope you enjoy pics of the bridge. If you have time, visit it yourself – and – click on pics !