Juan Pablo II Bridge, Road bridge in Concepción, Chile.

The Juan Pablo II Bridge is a road structure spanning the Biobío River and connecting Concepción with communities to the south across multiple traffic lanes. The bridge accommodates vehicles and pedestrians through separate dedicated pathways.

The structure opened in 1974 and was initially called Puente Nuevo before receiving its later name. Major damage from the 2010 earthquake prompted substantial restoration work that strengthened the bridge.

The bridge was unnamed when it opened in 1974; people called it Puente Nuevo because it was the second crossing over the Biobío after the Puente Viejo. It was formally named for Pope John Paul II after his April 1987 visit to Concepción, when he travelled through the city.

The bridge serves as a major crossing for vehicles and pedestrians moving between areas on either side of the river. Visitors should expect traffic, especially during peak hours, and can use the designated pedestrian pathways for safe crossing.

The bridge was built in 70 spans of 33 metres each, with a total width of 21.9 metres including two 1.6-metre walkways. It was the longest road bridge in Chile until the Puente Industrial opened in 2025, so its record lasted about five decades.