John Paul II Bridge (Chile)

The John Paul II Bridge (Spanish: Puente Juan Pablo II), also known as the New Bridge (Spanish: Puente Nuevo), is a bridge in Chile connecting Concepción and Talcahuano with San Pedro de la Paz, through the Biobío River.^[1] Since completion in 1974 it has remained the longest bridge in the country. It was significantly damaged in the 8.8 magnitude February 27, 2010 Chile earthquake.

Structure

The bridge was designed by E.W.H. Gifford & Partners from England. It is 2310 m. (7.578ft) in length.^[1] It is formed by 70 parts of 33 m. each one and with a width of 21.9 m. (including 2 passerby corridors of 1.6 m.)

Naming

When the bridge was finished in 1974, it had no official name,. People began calling it "Puente Nuevo" ("New Bridge"), as it was the second bridge across the Biobío River after "Puente Viejo" ("Old Bridge"), now closed. When Pope John Paul II visited Concepción the bridge was named after him as a tribute.