Portugal has several little-known bridges that remain far from the main tourist routes, despite bringing together imposing landscapes, technical importance and a strong connection with the history of the regions where they are located. In Trás-os-Montes, one of these structures stands out for the way it crosses the territory and the close relationship it maintains with the surrounding natural scenery.
About two hours from Porto, between the municipalities of Mogadouro and Alfândega da Fé, is the Sardão-Meirinhos Bridge. According to the blog, this crossing is considered by many residents of the region to be one of the most impressive in the country, both due to its size and the landscaping in which it is located.
Located in one of the most winding areas of the Sabor River, the bridge is part of Complementary Itinerary 5, an important road for travel in this area of the northern interior. Its construction made it possible to reduce travel times and improve access in a region where the terrain has always made connections between locations more difficult.
Project postponed for decades
Despite being included in road plans for more than half a century, the Sardão-Meirinhos Bridge was only inaugurated in 2003. The completion of this work marked a relevant moment for regional development, by reinforcing road connections in Trás-os-Montes and facilitating the movement of those who live or work in this area.
The structure is 560 meters long and 13 meters wide, with a main span of 160 meters. The pillars reach 75 meters in height and the deck was built in pre-stressed reinforced concrete, a technical solution adjusted to the difficulties imposed by the relief and conditions of the site.
Adaptation to demanding conditions
The construction of the Baixo Sabor Dam altered part of the bridge’s original structure, leaving some of its pillars submerged. This new reality required the application of specific technical solutions, including the MasterSeal M 689 polyurea membrane, used to guarantee the waterproofing of the structure.
The intervention required careful planning and the use of materials prepared to withstand a particularly demanding environment. For this reason, the bridge is today seen as an example of engineering adapted to a territory marked by the strength of the landscape and the natural difficulties of the terrain.
A landscape that can surprise
In addition to its road function, this bridge in the North of Portugal draws attention for the way it integrates into the landscape. Surrounded by hills, mountain vegetation and the course of the Sabor River, it offers wide views that gain special impact on clear days.
During the crossing, the reflection of light on the water and the slopes creates a scene that is difficult to miss by those traveling through the region. That’s why some people consider it one of the most beautiful bridges in the north of the country, despite it still being little known outside the region.
Accidents were not forgotten
Despite the importance of the work, the construction of the Sardão-Meirinhos Bridge was also associated with two fatal accidents. In one of these cases, a 20-year-old young man, from Cinfães, fell from a height of more than 30 meters while working.
The accident led to the temporary suspension of work and a review of safety rules at the construction site. The episode left a deep mark among the workers and the community linked to the construction of this infrastructure.
Currently, the bridge continues to have an essential function for the region, according to Portugal from North to South. The crossing connects two areas of the Bragança district and is used daily by those who depend on this connection to work, study or access services.
Still, the Sardão-Meirinhos Bridge remains little known nationally. The structure combines utility, technical relevance and scenic value, but remains far from the visibility of other similar works. According to the same blog, the bridge helps to reinforce the territorial cohesion of Trás-os-Montes, bringing together locations that for decades were more isolated. It was designed to face rugged terrain and demanding weather conditions.
A place that many say deserves to be seen up close
Near this bridge, located in the North of Portugal, it is possible to observe the route of the Sabor River and the mountainous setting that characterizes this Trás-os-Montes area. The silence, the fresh air and the size of the landscape invite you to take a longer stop, says the Portugal de Norte a Sul blog.
An interesting curiosity is related to the construction of the Baixo Sabor Dam, which left part of the pillars of the Sardão-Meirinhos Bridge submerged. For this reason, it was necessary to resort to special waterproofing solutions, such as a polyurea membrane, to protect the structure in a more demanding environment than that for which it was initially designed.
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