Ponte Metálica, Steel bridge between Santana do Paraíso and Caratinga, Brazil
Ponte Metálica is a steel bridge that spans across the Rio Doce, connecting two towns on opposite banks. Its structure relies on four support pillars and carries vehicles on a concrete and asphalt roadway.
The structure opened in 1970 as a replacement for ferry services and wooden structures that had previously crossed the river. German manufacturing techniques from steel production facilities played a major role in how it was built.
The bridge connects two communities that were once separated by water and ferry services, reshaping how people move between them. It stands as a landmark that residents recognize as marking a shift in their region's development.
The bridge can be crossed by vehicles and is accessible from both connecting towns via standard roads. Be aware that occasional maintenance work may cause temporary closures or restrictions.
When completed, it ranked as South America's largest steel structure of its type and the second largest in the world. This engineering achievement made it notable among major construction projects of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
