The bridge was originally named the Salazar Bridge after Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar until the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
Its foundation reaches a depth of 79 meters below the water level, which was a world record at the time of construction.
The steel for the bridge was imported directly from the United States.
The vertical clearance for ships passing underneath is 70 meters at high tide.
The bridge's main cables are 58.6 centimeters in diameter.
It is the longest suspension bridge in Europe to feature a railway deck.
The Ponte 25 de Abril is a 2,277-meter-long steel suspension bridge spanning the Tagus River, connecting the city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada. Completed in 1966 by the American Bridge Company, the structure features a distinct red color reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge. It utilizes a dual-deck system, with six lanes for vehicular traffic on the upper deck and a double-track railway line on the lower deck. The bridge is uniquely designed to accommodate thermal expansion, with the central span measuring 1,013 meters. It serves as a vital arterial link for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, carrying over 150,000 vehicles daily. Seismic reinforcements were installed during a major structural project completed in 1999 to support the addition of the rail component. The bridge remains a toll-road facility, operated under a concession by Lusoponte.
From the riverfront at Doca de Alcântara or the park at the Cristo Rei sanctuary in Almada.
Observe the structure from the Pilar 7 Experience in Alcântara for a detailed look at the bridge's construction history and inner pillars.
Use the riverside path in the Doca de Alcântara area to capture the best angles of the steel truss design.
Be aware that pedestrians are not permitted to walk across the bridge deck.
Attempting to access the bridge deck on foot, as it is strictly for motorized traffic and trains.
