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The Hercílio Luz Bridge is not just a structure of steel and concrete; it is a true epic of Santa Catarina! From its construction in the 1920s to the long-awaited reopening, this bridge has experienced more twists than a prime-time soap opera! Who would have thought that the tranquility of a Florianópolis with 40,000 inhabitants would be interrupted by such a grand work? Indeed, the construction of the Hercílio Luz Bridge was a historical milestone that changed the course of the capital, and the recent restoration makes us relive all this with even more emotion.
Built at a time when Floripa was still a quiet city, the Hercílio Luz Bridge brought development, but also faced almost four decades of closures and restorations. Now, renewed, it returns to being a vibrant and functional postcard, connecting generations and rewriting its importance for Santa Catarina.
The history of the Hercílio Luz Bridge began almost a century ago, when American engineers landed in Florianópolis for a monumental challenge. The city, with just over 40,000 inhabitants, was on the brink of transformation. The construction of the bridge, started in the 1920s, brought with it an air of modernity to the region, which until then depended on ferries for crossing between the island and the mainland.
The construction of the Hercílio Luz Bridge was, without a doubt, an achievement that put the city on the map
The Hercílio Luz Bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, with a total length of 821 meters, including a central span of 339 meters, the largest in Brazil at the time of its construction. Its two towers, which support the entire structure, are 74 meters high each, connected by steel cables with eyebars. The total weight of the bridge is impressive: approximately 5,000 tons, which required complex engineering for its construction and, later, its restoration. The width of the bridge is 13.50 meters, currently allowing the traffic of pedestrians, cyclists, and light vehicles, after its reopening in 2019. Its main material is steel, imported from the United States and Denmark, reinforcing the robustness and durability of the structure.
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Stories like those of engineer Patrick (taken from his diary), who came from New York to participate in the project, show the difficulties faced at the time. The young engineer described Floripa as a “poor and gloomy village,” until he was surprised by the grandeur of the project. The construction of the Hercílio Luz Bridge was undoubtedly an achievement that put the city on the map, not only of Santa Catarina but of Brazil.
The bridge was inaugurated in 1926, amidst strong emotions. Patrick, initially hesitant, ended up falling in love with the city and even with a local girl, whom he married a few days before the official opening. However, not everything was easy. Governor Hercílio Luz himself, the mastermind behind the project, passed away before seeing his long-dreamed bridge completed.
New contract brought real hopes
In the years that followed, the Hercílio Luz Bridge became an icon of Florianópolis, facilitating transportation and connecting the island to the mainland. But time was relentless. In 1982, after decades of use, the bridge was closed due to a lack of proper maintenance. There were years of uncertainty, with several attempts at renovation and recovery, until in 2016, a new contract brought real hopes that the monument would return to operation.
The restoration, carried out by a team of dedicated engineers and workers, lasted almost three years. More than 60% of the structure was replaced, including the famous eye bars that support the bridge. It was a delicate process, compared to “changing a car tire in motion.” In 2019, the final test: the Hercílio Luz Bridge withstood the weight of almost a thousand tons in tests, reaffirming its safety.
Hercílio Luz Bridge is a key piece in the mobility of Florianópolis
In 2019, reopened and completely revitalized, the Hercílio Luz Bridge returns to being a key piece in the mobility of Florianópolis. More than just a means of crossing, it carries in its beams and cables almost 100 years of history, of achievements, challenges, and new beginnings.
The reopening, scheduled for December 30, 2019, was celebrated by the population. Besides the return of the crossing, the restoration highlighted the importance of the legacy left by Hercílio Luz and his visionaries. The bridge, which has been compared to the Eiffel Tower for its grandeur and beauty, continues to be a source of pride for the people of Santa Catarina.
With the Hercílio Luz Bridge, Florianópolis not only reclaimed a symbol of its identity, but also paved the way for new stories and memories. It is, and always will be, a witness to progress, the love of its people, and the ability to be reborn, as it did over nearly 40 years of closure. The majestic bridge that spans the history of Santa Catarina stands firm, ready for the future.
Now that the Hercílio Luz Bridge has been in operation for five years, do you believe it has fulfilled its role in the traffic and tourism of Florianópolis? Or has it become more of a historical symbol than a practical solution for the city?
