Second Orinoco crossing, Cable-stayed bridge in Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela.
This cable-stayed bridge spans over 3 kilometers across the river, carrying four traffic lanes with a railway track positioned between them. Four H-shaped towers support the structure, with two central spans anchored on an island rather than on opposite banks.
The bridge was completed in 2006 and created a direct connection between two previously isolated regions. Its construction was part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at strengthening trade routes and linking industrial zones with Caribbean ports.
Local residents see this bridge as a symbol of modern development, with thousands of vehicles crossing it daily to connect separated parts of the city. It has become a landmark that shapes how people move between neighborhoods and access services on either side.
It's best to cross outside rush hours, as traffic on this major route can be heavy. You can walk or drive across the bridge, and the middle section offers views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The structure has an unusual design where both main navigation spans anchor independently on a mid-river island rather than stretching from bank to bank. This arrangement allows large ships to pass safely without compromising the bridge's structural integrity.
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