Vasco da Gama Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge across Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge flanked by viaducts that crosses the Tagus River in the Parque das Nações area of Lisbon, linking the north bank to Alcochete. Its main span is 420 metres, carried by 150-metre-high concrete pylons, with a central viaduct of 6.351 kilometres on 81 pillars and a south viaduct of 3.825 kilometres. The total crossing with access roads measures 17,185 metres.
Construction began in the mid-1990s to provide a second crossing of the Tagus for growing traffic. The opening took place in 1998 and marked the 500th anniversary of the navigator's voyage to India.
The bridge is named for Vasco da Gama, whose arrival in India in May 1498 is commemorated by the structure, opened two months before Expo 98. At the inauguration a feijoada was served and entered in the Guinness World Records. The name links the crossing to the Portuguese voyages that opened the sea route from Europe to India.
Northbound traffic toward Lisbon pays a toll collected at a plaza on the south bank near Montijo; southbound travel is free. The deck carries six lanes, with a 120 km/h limit except on one section capped at 100 km/h, and limits drop to 90 km/h in wind, rain or fog. Lamp posts along the crossing are tilted inward so their light does not fall on the river.
The foundations reach 95 meters below sea level and rest on the riverbed to allow movement during earthquakes. Hydraulic dampers absorb vibrations and let the pylons yield without damaging the roadway deck.
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