Vasco da Gama Bridge - Lisbon, Portugal

Artist impression of the crossing

The second Tagus road crossing now named Ponte Vasco Da Gama crosses the Tagus estuary to the East of Lisbon and links a North - South motorway network that connects Porto with the Algarve.

The focus of the crossing is a cable stayed bridge with a main span of 450 metres. Due to the bridge's proximity to the 1998 World Expo site aesthetics is considered of paramount importance.

The focus of the bridge are the pylons which are conceived as pure sculpted elements, as if carved from a single piece. All the surfaces flow smoothly one into another with uncomplicated, simple lines. The pylon's legs are cranked to allow vertical cable profiles and a sense of the concentration of the forces is expressed by the subtle taper of the legs below the change in angle. Omission of a cross beam immediately below the deck at the pylons visually articulates the fact that the deck is suspended throughout. The tie beam, required for seismic forces, is carefully positioned according to golden proportions and completes the composition.

The toll plaza and control building is located on the south em approach to the crossing with tolls only collected from incoming traffic. The toll plaza canopy comprises of a 60m long x 1 7m wide folded plate which varies in height between 7m - gin. it is supported on specially designed structural steel 'trees'. Each 'branch' support member is tapered in proportion to the forces they carry. The canopy position and orientation has been carefully composed for maximum visual effect and shelter. For consistency the same structural concept is used to support the roof of the control building.

Concession Consortium: Lusoponte

Copyright © 1998 Yee Associates.