Cuscatlán Bridge, Suspension bridge over Lempa River, El Salvador.
The Cuscatlán Bridge is a suspension structure that spans the Lempa River, joining San Vicente and Usulután departments in El Salvador. It carries traffic along the Pan-American Highway and serves as a major route connecting different parts of the country.
The bridge opened in 1942 as a major transportation link. It was destroyed during the civil war in 1984 and rebuilt years later as part of the country's reconstruction efforts.
The bridge's name comes from a Nahuatl word meaning "jewel of the waters." For locals, it represents connection between communities that were isolated from each other for years.
Traffic on the bridge gets heavy during rush hours, particularly in early morning and late afternoon. It is best to cross during off-peak times if your schedule allows for smoother travel.
The bridge was engineered with special features to resist the earthquakes that commonly occur in this region of Central America. This design approach makes it one of the more resilient structures in the area.
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