The new bridge’s central span clearance allows for ships up to 45 meters in height to pass beneath it.
It is the first cable-stayed bridge to be built in Colombia over a major river delta.
The bridge contains 130,000 cubic meters of concrete and 20,000 tons of steel.
The original 1974 bridge was demolished to improve maritime accessibility to the port of Barranquilla.
The project was designed to withstand the high wind speeds prevalent in the Caribbean coastal region.
The Alberto Pumarejo Bridge spans the Magdalena River, connecting the department of Atlántico to Magdalena in Colombia. The current structure is a cable-stayed bridge inaugurated in 2019, replacing the original 1974 cantilever bridge. It stands as one of the longest bridges in Colombia, with a total length of 2.2 kilometers. The design includes a central span of 380 meters, allowing for the passage of large vessels navigating the river toward the Barranquilla port. It features pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, distinguishing it from older regional infrastructure. The bridge is illuminated at night, creating a distinct visual profile against the river landscape. It functions as a critical artery for the Caribbean region's logistics and trade.
The pedestrian walkway mid-span provides the clearest perspective of the cable stays and the river vista.
Prioritize visiting during the golden hour to capture the reflection of the bridge lights on the river.
Ensure you stay within the designated pedestrian walkways, as the bridge serves as a major high-speed transit route for vehicles.
Bring a windbreaker, as wind speeds can be significantly higher on the bridge deck compared to the city center.
Attempting to cross the main vehicle lanes on foot; stay strictly on the protected pedestrian path.
