(28/10/2016) 


This award recognises the most remarkable bridges and structure projects worldwide and is awarded by the IABSE, which enjoys the maximum international prestige in all the associated countries. This is the first time a bridge designed and built in Spain receives such recognition.

Close to Ría de Arousa estuary, the viaduct over the River Ulla connects the cities of Pontevedra and La Coruña. With 1,620 m length, structure typology of variable-edged composite truss bridge and over 11 cantilevers, the viaduct has three main spans (225 + 240 + 225 m) and several approach spans measuring 120 m.

The 240 m centre span has achieved the world record in its typology –composite (steel-concrete) truss, exceeding the 208 m span of the Nantenbach Bridge in Germany. The complexity of the steel structure required for the deck, with over 20,000 t of steel and segments up to 17.5 m high, has required the development of a quality control system unprecedented in Spain to date.

The type section of the viaduct is for double track, with a deck width of 14 m and a height of 60 m above the river level.