Santarém bridge, Metal arch bridge in Santa Iria da Ribeira de Santarém, Portugal
Santarém bridge is a double-deck steel arch structure that spans about 172 meters across the river with two separate traffic levels. The upper deck carries light rail services while the lower deck accommodates vehicles and pedestrians moving between city sections.
The structure was designed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, an engineer trained under Gustave Eiffel who brought advanced steel construction methods to Portugal. Its completion marked a turning point in how the city approached river crossings and regional transport connections.
The structure carries the mark of its designer's training in advanced metal construction methods and defines the skyline where it connects two city sections. It remains woven into daily life as residents cross it regularly by foot, car, and light rail.
The bridge is open daily for all transport modes, with the upper level reserved for rail and the lower level serving road and foot traffic. Visitors find the best views from the riverbanks or by taking a short walk across to appreciate its architectural details.
The bridge was designed by a French engineer who never lived in Portugal but sent his plans from Paris and supervised construction remotely through correspondence. This was an example of how 19th-century engineering networks operated across borders and placed Santarém at the center of modern European technology.
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