Calle-Calle Bridge
Los Ríos
The Calle-Calle Bridge consists of two parallel bridges crossing the Calle-Calle River in Valdivia, Los Ríos Region, Chile. The first bridge, constructed between 1938 and 1945 under the supervision of engineer Federico Wiese, was built to connect the industrial sector of Las Ánimas with the city of Valdivia. Initially designed with four arches, it was completed with three arches and two pillars in the river, featuring a 12-meter wide roadway and 2-meter sidewalks. The second bridge was constructed later, with its project starting in 1994 and inauguration in 1997, to accommodate increasing traffic and provide better access to the Ruta 5 highway. Both bridges together offer four vehicular lanes and two pedestrian sidewalks, with the first bridge serving traffic from Valdivia to Las Ánimas and the second from Las Ánimas to Valdivia. Notably, both bridges withstood the devastating 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded, suffering only minor structural damage. In 2015, LED lighting was installed on the bridges to enhance their tourist appeal. The Calle-Calle Bridge is a key infrastructural element in Valdivia, reflecting the city's industrial growth and resilience.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider exploring the bridge during daylight hours to appreciate its architectural details and the scenic views of the Calle-Calle River. The bridge is accessible year-round, but traffic conditions may vary during peak hours. No advanced ticketing is required as it is a public roadway. Nearby attractions in Valdivia, such as the riverside market and historic city center, complement a visit to the bridge.
Faits intéressants
- •The first Calle-Calle Bridge was inaugurated with the blessing of Monseñor Arturo Mery and attended by engineer Federico Wiese.
- •Both Calle-Calle bridges withstood the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the strongest earthquake ever recorded at magnitude 9.5, with only minor damage to pillars.
- •The bridges connect the important industrial sector of Las Ánimas with the city of Valdivia, facilitating vital economic activity.
- •LED lighting was added in 2015 to enhance the bridges' visibility and tourist appeal at night.
Histoire
The construction of the first Calle-Calle Bridge began in December 1938, driven by the industrial development needs of the Las Ánimas sector.
It was officially opened in February 1945.
The bridge's design was inspired by the Pedro de Valdivia Bridge and was built using reinforced concrete.
Despite the catastrophic 1960 Valdivia earthquake, both the Calle-Calle and Pedro de Valdivia bridges remained structurally sound, although their access points were damaged.
Due to increased traffic and structural concerns in the 1980s, a second parallel bridge was proposed and constructed between 1994 and 1997 to improve connectivity and traffic flow.
The bridges have undergone maintenance and upgrades, including pavement replacement in 2011 and the addition of LED lighting in 2015 to highlight their architectural significance.
Guide du lieu
Calle-Calle Bridge 11938-1945
The original bridge built between 1938 and 1945, featuring three arches and two pillars, constructed in reinforced concrete. It serves vehicular traffic from Valdivia to Las Ánimas and includes pedestrian sidewalks.
Calle-Calle Bridge 21994-1997
The second bridge, constructed from 1994 to 1997, built with a mixed structure of reinforced concrete and steel. It handles traffic from Las Ánimas to Valdivia and complements the first bridge to ease congestion.