Rafael Viñoly was tasked with creating a bridge that would form a direct route between the cities of Rocha and Maldonado, crossing a scenic stretch of water known as a haven for birds and other wildlife. It was imperative that vehicle speeds be reduced within this sensitive environment, and Viñoly’s design naturally slows cars down while also providing drivers and pedestrians with ever-changing views across the surrounding landscape. The bridge replaces a raft crossing. Whereas just a handful of cars could pass over before, some 1,000 vehicles will cross the new bridge every day.
The structure used over 450 tons of steel, 40,000 meters of post-tensioned cables and 3,500 cubic meters of concrete and has proven controversial, sparking protests from environmental groups. But Viñoly defended the project, pointing out that he has lobbied for local authorities to gain more control over development in the area. Although rather seems, that in fact, the authorities have lost control over the actions of the promoters of coastal areas.
“The rotunda signals the terminus of the National Route 10. I accepted to design the bridge on the condition that Route 10 - a federal highway that has been the main access to the beach resorts along the Uruguayan coast and one of the most destructive planning drivers of the territory - be downgraded to the local jurisdiction in order to better control the development process,” said Viñoly.
Opening in December 2015, project investors have also praised the completion of the ring-shaped bridge. “It is an iconic architectural piece that will be a catalytic factor in driving the development of Rocha’s coastline,” said Argentine developer Eduardo Costantini, who invested 80 percent of the $10 million construction cost. Costantini is also behind the nearby Las Garzas development.
CREDITS.
Architecture.- Rafael Viñoly
Construction.- Saceem
Collaborators.- MTOP, Las Garzas Blancas, Dirección Nacional de Vialidad, Uruguayan State
