Third Bridge, Bridge in Vila Velha, Brazil
The Darcy Castello de Mendonça crossing stretches 3.3 kilometers across Vitória Bay, linking Vila Velha with Vitória through 61 pillars. The toll plaza features 15 lanes that handle traffic in both directions.
Construction began in 1978 under Governor Elcio Alvares and ended in 1989 during Max Mauro's term. The project aimed to handle growing traffic between the two cities.
The nickname "Terceira Ponte" was used as soon as the project was announced, because two older crossings already linked the cities: the Florentino Avidos Bridge of 1928, called "Cinco Pontes", and the Prince Bridge of 1979, the "Second Bridge". The official name honours Deputy Darcy Castello de Mendonça. In 2003 the maintenance company RodoSol fitted blue fluorescent lamps on the central pillars.
The bridge carries about 58,000 vehicles daily and has no pedestrian access; a cycleway was added in 2023. Medical and mechanical assistance is available, and an Operational Control Center monitors the crossing. Traffic jams are common at peak hours.
The central span reaches a height of 70 meters (230 feet) and a width of 260 meters (850 feet) between pillars. Large ships can pass underneath the structure and enter Vitória Bay.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,794 contributors worldwide.
