Viaducto de Loa, Railway bridge in Conchi, Antofagasta Region, Chile
The Loa Viaduct is a steel bridge spanning 244 meters across the Loa River and standing about 103 meters above the water level. Today the structure carries pipes and allows restricted road access rather than its original railway function.
The steel structure was built between 1886 and 1888 as part of the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway linking the two countries. Engineer Edward Woods designed the bridge as a major infrastructure project for the region.
The Ministry of Education declared the Loa Viaduct a National Monument of Chile through Decree 156 on June 3, 2015.
The bridge sits near Conchi in the Antofagasta Region and is reachable on foot, though visitors must proceed with caution as only restricted passage is allowed. Visitors should be prepared for the height and wear sturdy shoes as the walkway crosses the steel structure.
Upon completion in 1888, it ranked as the second highest railway bridge worldwide after only the Garabit Viaduct in France. This remarkable engineering feat made it a milestone of 19th century engineering in South America.
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