Dona Amélia Bridge, Railway bridge in Valada and Muge, Portugal
Dona Amélia Bridge is an iron bridge that crosses the Tagus River with a total length of 840 meters. The structure comprises fourteen sections of 60 meters each, supported by thirteen pillars and two abutments.
The bridge opened on January 14, 1904, establishing the first continuous railway connection between the North and South lines in Portugal. This connection became crucial to the country's transport infrastructure.
The bridge was named after Queen Amélia of Portugal, who attended the opening ceremony alongside King Carlos I. This naming honors a significant figure in Portuguese royal history.
The bridge was converted from railway to road traffic in 2001, now connecting the municipalities of Salvaterra de Magos and Cartaxo. For visitors, it helps to know this structure serves as a key route between these two locations.
The iron components were manufactured by the Fill and Lilles company, showcasing early 20th century engineering innovation. The construction used air-compressed caissons filled with hydraulic concrete, a then-advanced solution for river crossing.
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