It consists of two semi-circular halves, creating a round structure supported by cylindrical concrete pillars.
Each side serves as a one-way road for vehicles, while pedestrian walkways allow visitors to stroll, fish, and admire the view from its central opening or along its perimeter.
But this isn’t just about aesthetics. The unique design serves a purpose. By splitting the bridge into two roadways, the shadow it casts on the water is constantly changing throughout the day, minimising its impact on the lagoon’s ecosystem.
This is especially important because Garzon Lagoon is a protected area, home to Chilean flamingos, endangered amphibians like Darwin’s toad, and Uruguay’s largest coastal psammophilous forest.
The bridge also encourages people to slow down – literally. Its tight curves force drivers to reduce their speed.
Rafael Vinoly, the architect behind the project, explained: “The concept was to transform a traditional vehicular crossing into an event. It slows down cars, offers panoramic views, and creates a pedestrian place in the center.”
Built using more than 450 tons of steel, 25 miles of cables, and 3,500 cubic meters of concrete, the bridge took just 12 months to complete.
It can handle up to 1,000 vehicles a day, but it’s far more than just a crossing point.
The circular shape creates a “lagoon inside a lagoon,” where visitors can swim, fish, or simply soak in the breathtaking views.
