Puente Urubamba-Cusco, Road bridge over Vilcanota River in Urubamba, Peru.
The Urubamba-Cusco Bridge is a road bridge crossing the Vilcanota River, equipped with two traffic lanes and pedestrian paths on both sides. Its structure features a double metal arch in the upper portion, folded inward to create a compact and efficient design.
The original bridge collapsed in 2012 when a heavy truck crossed it. A new structure was designed and opened to traffic in January 2020.
It serves as a vital link between communities in the Sacred Valley, connecting Cusco with smaller settlements and agricultural areas. For locals, crossing it is part of their daily routine rather than a special event.
The bridge is located at kilometer 59 on highway PE-28F and is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians. It can be crossed safely at any time during the day.
The bridge employs crossed pendulums arranged in a network pattern to distribute forces between the deck and arch system. This engineering approach allows the structure to handle weight more efficiently than conventional designs.
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