The bridge over the Virilla River, located on Route 147 between Santa Ana and Belén, was inaugurated in 2018 as a strategic solution to improve mobility along one of the country’s most congested road corridors. The new 133-meter-long steel structure was built parallel to the existing bridge and includes two vehicular lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and upgraded access roads.

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Main Innovations

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• Portal-frame bridge design with inclined piers positioned on the slopes of the river canyon, reducing costs, construction time, and environmental impacts.

• Early-stage coordination during the design phase with all public utility institutions (water, electricity, telecommunications, and cable providers), which was essential for restoring public services without delays or cost overruns.

• Construction of walkways beneath the bridge to provide access to strategic points of the bridge superstructure and public utility systems, facilitating inspection and maintenance.

• Installation of lighting for both bridges and placement of public utility cables beneath the bridge, eliminating the exposed overhead wiring previously located on the old bridge.

• The project improved traffic flow for more than 35,000 vehicles per day and enhanced both road and pedestrian safety in the area. In addition, it incorporated innovative construction and design solutions that reduced environmental impacts, facilitated infrastructure maintenance, and optimized the management of public utilities.

The project improved traffic flow for more than 35,000 vehicles per day and enhanced both road and pedestrian safety in the area. In addition, it incorporated innovative construction and design solutions that reduced environmental impacts, facilitated infrastructure maintenance, and optimized the management of public utilities.