Guadiana International Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge between Ayamonte, Spain and Castro Marim, Portugal.
The Guadiana International Bridge is a cable-stayed structure spanning the Guadiana River between Ayamonte and Castro Marim, connecting Spain and Portugal. The structure features two towers of varying heights and measures approximately 666 meters in length as it crosses the water.
Construction followed an agreement between Portugal and Spain established in 1985, marking a turning point for cross-border infrastructure. Planning efforts had started decades earlier in the 1960s before the project came to fruition.
The bridge joins two regions that were once separated by the river, now enabling direct exchange between Andalusia and the Algarve. It has become an everyday crossing point for people commuting or traveling between the two countries.
Vehicles can cross the bridge without tolls, though fees apply when continuing on the Portuguese A22 motorway beyond the bridge. The crossing works in both directions and provides straightforward passage for cars and foot traffic alike.
The Spanish tower stands on an artificial island built within the riverbed, while the Portuguese tower is anchored to natural ground. This difference in foundation methods reflects the engineering challenges that had to be solved for the river conditions on each side.
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