Puente La Amistad de Taiwán, Cable-stayed bridge in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Puente La Amistad de Taiwán is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tempisque River, built with eight supporting pillars and an 80-meter pylon from which steel cables extend. The structure measures 780 meters in length and provides a direct crossing over the river where previously a ferry or longer road route was necessary.
The bridge was built in 2003 as a gift from Taiwan's government to Costa Rica, constructed by the Taiwanese company MAA alongside local workers. The project aimed to strengthen economic connections between San José and Guanacaste province by creating a faster route across the river.
The bridge holds complicated meaning for local people, as it marks a period when Taiwan provided support to Costa Rica before the country's diplomatic relations shifted. Residents acknowledge this connection when discussing the structure's origins and significance.
The bridge accommodates vehicle traffic well and provides a safe crossing, especially during rainy season when alternate routes become problematic. Expect moderate to heavy traffic during peak hours as many people commute between regions, though the structure generally handles flow smoothly.
Travelers crossing the bridge often spot crocodiles and various bird species inhabiting the Tempisque River below. These wildlife encounters transform the crossing into an unexpected natural moment that many visitors find memorable.
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