The 516 Arouca bridge in Portugal is now open to the public © CARLOS COSTA / Contributor / AFP via Getty Images
Travelers with an adventurous spirit may be adding a new suspended pedestrian bridge in Portugal to their bucket lists. The 516 Arouca Bridge has opened to the public, and it has an open metal grid floor that allows those crossing it to see the Rio Paiva river beneath.
The 516m-long (1693ft) bridge is suspended 175m (574ft) above the river in Arouca Unesco Global Geopark just outside Porto. The bridge connects the escarpment of the Aguieiras waterfall and the area of the Paiva Gorge, two of the 41 geosites of the geopark. Its length makes it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, a record that was previously held by the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Switzerland.
Designed by Itecons and constructed by Conduril - Engenharia, SA, the bridge is supported by two V-shaped concrete towers. Its design combines elements of a Tibet-style footbridge, and its floor and side railings are made of metal grids to allow visitors to see all around. Construction started in 2017, but was delayed because the location of the bridge needed to be changed due to deployment difficulties and unforeseen geological problems. Construction completed last July, and the bridge has now opened to members of the public aged six and over.
This bridge aims to attract engineering lovers, nature connoisseurs and people who are fond of extreme experiences. Those who cross it will be able to see the Aguieiras waterfall, Paiva walkways, Alvarenga Bridge and Paiva Gorge. It costs €12 ($14.46) for adults and €10 ($12.05) for students, children and seniors. Further information is available on its website.
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