Viaduto do Chá, Steel and concrete viaduct in Central São Paulo, Brazil.
Viaduto do Chá is a viaduct in Central São Paulo, Brazil, that stretches 240 meters across the Anhangabaú Valley, linking older and newer parts of downtown. The steel and concrete structure measures 14 meters wide and carries both vehicles and pedestrians between the two sides of the former riverbed.
The first viaduct in São Paulo opened in 1892 with an iron frame, connecting the growing city across the valley. In 1938 it was replaced with a concrete bridge twice as wide to handle rising traffic.
The name refers to tea plantations that grew in the Morro do Chá area during the late 1800s, before the city expanded over them. People cross the bridge daily as a shortcut between business districts on both sides of the valley.
The bridge serves both pedestrians and drivers moving between Rua Direita and Rua Barão de Itapetininga in the city center. Those on foot can use the sidewalks to glance into the valley and surrounding buildings.
From 1892 to 1896, crossing required a toll of 60 réis, which earned the viaduct the nickname Three Vintens Bridge among locals. This charge was later removed as the city integrated the structure into the public street network.
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