Simón Bolívar International Bridge, International road bridge over the Táchira River, Colombia–Venezuela border
The Simón Bolívar International Bridge is a road bridge over the Táchira River, which marks the Colombia–Venezuela border at this point. It has two lanes, a width of 7.3 metres and a length of 315 metres, and the structure is shared by both countries. It links Cúcuta and Villa del Rosario in Norte de Santander with San Antonio and San Cristóbal in Táchira State.
The bridge opened in 1962 as the first permanent road link between the neighboring nations in this border region of Táchira and Norte de Santander. Decades later, during the Venezuelan crisis, it became a main route for people seeking supplies and new prospects.
The span takes its name from the South American liberator and serves as a meeting line where residents from both sides cross for daily errands, family visits and small trade. At the approaches, border officials, money changers and vendors mark the rhythm of frontier life.
Pedestrians cross without paying, while vehicles pay fees at control stations on either side. Waiting times vary depending on border activity and time of day, so early morning often means fewer crowds.
During border closures, the bridge sometimes remained open to pedestrians while vehicles were blocked, creating long lines of people walking across the river. These scenes made the crossing a globally recognized symbol of migration movements in the region.
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