Juan Pablo II Bridge
The Juan Pablo II Bridge, also known as Puente Nuevo ("New Bridge"), is a bridge in Chile connecting Concepción and Talcahuano with San Pedro de la Paz, through the Biobío River. Since completion in 1974 it has remained the longest bridge in the country. It was significantly damaged in the February 27, 2010 earthquake.
Juan Pablo II Bridge | |
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 Juan Pablo II Bridge, view from Concepcion | |
| Coordinates | 36°49′26″S 73°5′30″W |
| Crosses | Bio-Bio River |
| Locale | Concepcion & Talcahuano, Greater Concepción and San Pedro de la Paz, Greater Concepción |
| Other name(s) | Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) (from 1974 to 1987) |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 2.310 m. (7.578 ft) |
| Width | 21.9 m. |
| History | |
| Opened | April, 1974 |
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Structure
The bridge was designed by E.W.H. Gifford & Partners from England. It is 2.310 m. (7.578 ft) in length. It is formed by 70 parts of 33 m. each one and with a width of 21.9 m. (including 2 passerby corridors of 1.6 m.)
Naming
When the bridge was finished in 1974, it had no official name,. People began calling it "Puente Nuevo" ("New Bridge"), as it was the second bridge across the Biobío River after "Puente Viejo" ("Old Bridge"), now closed. When Pope John Paul II visited Concepción the bridge was named after him as a tribute.
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