This is the striking and "ridiculous" circular bridge of Laguna Garzón, in Uruguay.
The Laguna Garzón Bridge, inaugurated in December 2015, joins the departments of Rocha and Maldonado, south of the Laguna Garzón, close to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a conciliatory and totally new architectural marvel in Uruguay. Its ring shape supported by a series of columns allows the free flow of changes in the lagoon and also the use of boats, a typical element of the place. A project by Rafael Viñoli, a famous Uruguayan architect recognized for numerous international works and for the design of the new Carrasco airport, in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.
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| Laguna Garzon Bridge |
It has pedestrian walkways for landscape sighting, it has 830 meters of external and internal railings in galvanized steel that go from one head of the bridge to another.
How to get to the Laguna Garzón Bridge?
From the city of Rocha, departmental capital, take route 9 towards the southwest (towards Montevideo) for approximately 20 km, then drive 12 km along the road that will take you to route 10. Once there, turn right and drive to the Laguna Garzón Bridge.
History
Since 1976 the Laguna Garzón has been part of the Biosphere Reserve called Bañados del Este and since 1977 of the National Lake Park and Protected Area of Multiple Use of the Laguna de José Ignacio, Garzón and Rocha. Since November 2014 it was integrated into the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP).
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| Laguna Garzon Bridge |
In 1950 there was interest from the Ministry of Transportation to build a bridge across the lagoon, and for this reason a work began to be carried out in the 1960s that aimed to give continuity to Route 10, linking Rocha and Maldonado. However, its construction generated controversy, leaving it unfinished with a skeleton that was removed in 2014.
From 1995 to December 21, 2015, the crossing of the lagoon was carried out by means of a raft installed by the National Directorate of Hydrography.
The discussion of the construction of a bridge in the place resurfaced several times since it was seen as an engine for tourism development, especially for the department of Rocha. It was necessary to find a project with a vision that would conform to everyone and that would contemplate the environment and be integrated into it.
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| Laguna Garzon Bridge |
Thanks to the will and public-private articulation between the National Government and the departmental governments of Rocha and Maldonado, together with the support of the Argentine businessman Eduardo Costantini, the work was completed.
The Future
This work represents a milestone for the country since it is a project that was postponed for 50 years. From a real estate point of view, investment in new developments east of Laguna Garzón towards Rocha will increase, energizing the entire area.
From the tourist point of view, it will generate integration and sustainable development since the Laguna Garzón bridge symbolizes the strategic vision that the Rocha Departmental Administration has for its department.
A highly symbolic place of union, a long-awaited project that today unites the two shores of Rocha and Maldonado. Today the bridge is a reality.