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Vitória Celebrates The Construction Of The Third Bridge, Now One Of The Largest Bridges In The Country, Transforming Mobility And Tourism In Espírito Santo.
The Deputy Darcy Castello de Mendonça Bridge, popularly known as the Third Bridge, stands out as one of the largest bridges in the country, connecting Vitória to Vila Velha with its impressive 3,339 meters in length.
If you thought crossing a bridge was just a matter of a few steps, the construction of the Third Bridge came to challenge that idea and show that Espírito Santo houses one of the largest engineering works in Brazil.
Construction Of The Third Bridge
The construction of the Third Bridge began in August 1978 with the aim of allowing the crossing of 3,500 vehicles per day, benefiting around 40,000 people daily. It promised to reduce the journey between Vitória and Vila Velha by 18 km, saving up to 52 minutes for private cars and 45 minutes for buses.
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Nicknamed the Third Bridge due to the other two structures that already connected the municipalities—the Florentino Ávidos Bridge (Cinco Pontes) and the Second Bridge, inaugurated in 1928 and 1979 respectively—this mega construction faced significant challenges. Among them, ensuring safe navigation in the canal, meeting international standards without interfering with maritime traffic.
Norberto Odebrecht Construction Company
After analyzing about 2,800 projects, the Norberto Odebrecht construction company took over the work, implementing three construction sites in Vitória and Vila Velha. The construction involved the use of advanced engineering techniques, such as the assembly of precast beams and the successive cantilever system in concrete with segments concreted on-site.
The Third Bridge consumed more than 11,560 m³ of structural concrete, 12,000 tons of steel, and 238,000 m² of forms. With a central span of 260 meters and a height of 60 meters, it not only overcame technical challenges but also established itself among the largest bridges in the country.
Delivered On August 23, 1989
Delivered on August 23, 1989, after 11 years of construction and an investment of 221 million cruzeiros, the bridge was financed by funds from grants and loans agreed upon between the government and the construction companies of the time. The construction of the Third Bridge not only significantly improved urban mobility but also boosted local tourism, offering panoramic views that became an attraction in itself.
Crane Failure
Unfortunately, the grandeur of the construction of the Third Bridge came with sacrifices. During the process, 11 fatal accidents were recorded, including one incident on September 17, 1985, when a crane failure resulted in the loss of three workers. These lives are remembered with respect, highlighting the dedication of the more than 7,600 workers who made this mega construction possible.
The Construction Of The Third Bridge Maintains Its Crucial Role
Currently, the Third Bridge remains vital for the natural growth of Vitória and Vila Velha. Recent projects foresee the creation of a bike path and the widening of the bridge with two more lanes, totaling six, with completion expected in 2023. Thus, the construction of the Third Bridge maintains its crucial role, reaffirming itself as one of the largest bridges in the country and a symbol of development in Espírito Santo.
And you, have you had the opportunity to cross the Third Bridge? What do you think of this mega construction that marks the Espírito Santo landscape? Share your opinion in the comments!
O que me chamou atenção é a descrição na parte superior da foto
(investimento de 221milhões de cruzeiros) cruzeiros???, lembrando que a nosa moeda, infelizmente é o real, que de real, não tem mais nada, diante a desvalorização
Sem dúvida alguma é uma estrutura que muito beneficia a mobilidade na região metropolitana e sua vista é maravilhosa. Porém a cobrança do pedágio causa discussões.
Tempos dos militares a frente do governo, tempo em que o Brasil investia pesado em infraestrutura que hoje desfrutamos, diferente dos atuais tempos desses governos que tomam o dinheiro para si e o pais que se dane…