Ponte Metálica Rio Negro-Mafra, Historic road bridge in Mafra, Brazil.
The Ponte Metálica Rio Negro-Mafra is a road bridge made of iron and wood that crosses the Negro River between Rio Negro in Paraná state and Mafra in Santa Catarina. The structure consists of iron trusses with wooden flooring, supported by stone masonry along the riverbanks that extend beyond the metal framework.
The bridge was constructed in 1896 by the Compagnie Dyle et Baccalan shipyards in Louvain, Belgium, and assembled on site within one year. It emerged as a key infrastructure project to connect the growing regions of southern Brazil with each other.
The bridge links the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, serving as a meaningful crossing point between two neighboring regions with distinct local identities. People on both sides use it daily and view it as more than infrastructure, seeing it as a symbol of connection between their communities.
The structure across the river is relatively low and narrow, so drivers should proceed carefully when crossing and watch for oncoming traffic. Visitors can best observe the stone masonry supports from the riverbanks, where the overall construction becomes clearer to understand.
The stone masonry supports at the riverbanks extend beyond the metal framework, sparking debate among historians about the original design intentions. Some scholars suggest this unusual proportion may result from confusion during the planning or construction process.
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