At the time of its inauguration in 1974, it was the second-longest bridge in the world.
The central span uses a sophisticated structural system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction over the bay.
The bridge's construction required the relocation of massive amounts of sediment and utilized floating cranes of unprecedented scale for the era.
The deck carries an average of over 140,000 vehicles daily.
The bridge is named after Arthur da Costa e Silva, the president of Brazil at the time construction was authorized.
The Ponte Presidente Costa e Silva, commonly known as the Rio-Niterói Bridge, is a 13.29-kilometer box-girder bridge spanning Guanabara Bay in Brazil. It serves as the primary connection between the city of Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Niterói. Opened in 1974, it features a central span that reaches a height of 72 meters to allow the passage of large ships entering the port. The structure carries the BR-101 highway, facilitating high-volume commuter traffic and heavy freight transport. It remains one of the longest prestressed concrete bridges in the Southern Hemisphere. The bridge utilizes a combination of reinforced and prestressed concrete, with foundations extending up to 60 meters deep into the bay floor.
Capture the scale of the bridge from the shoreline of Praia de Icaraí in Niterói or from the elevated points in the Caju area of Rio.
Check live traffic reports before crossing, as congestion can lead to significant delays during peak hours.
Visibility can be significantly reduced during heavy fog or intense tropical rain; ensure headlights are functional.
Avoid stopping your vehicle on the bridge shoulders unless in a mechanical emergency, as this is strictly monitored.
Do not attempt to walk or cycle across the bridge, as it is a high-speed motorway with no pedestrian infrastructure.
Open 24 hours daily, though traffic flow is subject to lane closures for ongoing maintenance work.
