Ponte Costa e Silva, Road bridge in Lago Sul, Brazil.
Ponte Costa e Silva is a concrete road bridge with three arches spanning across Lake Paranoa to connect central Brasilia with the southern peninsula. The structure features slender lines and minimal supports that let the landscape below remain the focus.
Design work began in 1967 based on sketches from a renowned Brazilian architect, but the project faced delays that extended completion until the mid-1970s. Foundation reviews required careful engineering work before the bridge could finally open to traffic.
The bridge embodies Brasilia's modernist vision through its design, which appears to touch the water lightly and emphasize simplicity over heavy construction.
The bridge carries heavy traffic daily and serves as the main vehicle route across the lake between central and southern areas. Traveling during off-peak hours makes for a more pleasant crossing than during rush times.
Recent proposals to add a pedestrian walkway sparked debate among residents and architects about maintaining the bridge's original design. These discussions reveal how much the original architectural vision still matters to the community today.
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