Puente Llacolén, Road bridge in San Pedro de la Paz and Concepción, Chile
The Puente Llacolén is a road bridge that spans 2,157 meters across the Biobío River connecting San Pedro de la Paz and Concepción. It provides four vehicle lanes and a pedestrian-bicycle path about 3 meters wide, with benches for resting along the way.
After an earthquake in 2010 damaged parts of its roadway, the bridge became the sole link between Concepción and communities to the south. This event highlighted how critical the crossing was for the region's connections.
The name honors a Mapuche leader and his daughter, references that connect to old stories about a small lake near its southern entrance. Local people recognize these ties to indigenous history when they cross, making the name more than just a label.
The bridge has wide vehicle lanes in both directions and a dedicated area for pedestrians and cyclists, making crossing fairly straightforward. Weather conditions like rain or fog can make the crossing take longer, so allow extra time if needed.
Large statues stand at both ends of the structure and greet travelers arriving on each side of the river. These sculptures serve as a photographic landmark for many and mark the crossing point visibly.
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