General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge

The General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge is located on Lake Maracaibo, in western Venezuela. The bridge connects Maracaibo with much of the rest of the country. It is named after General Rafael Urdaneta, a Venezuelan hero in their War of Independence.

Related Topics:
Lake Maracaibo - Venezuela - Maracaibo - General Rafael Urdaneta

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Made of concrete, it spans 8.7 kilometers. The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that carries only vehicles. The competition to design the bridge started in 1957 and was won by Riccardo Morandi, an Italian. Construction was done by several companies. They included: Grün & Bilfinger, Julius Berger, Bauboag AG, Philipp Holzmann AG, Precomprimido C.A., Wayss & Freytag and K Ingeniería.

Related Topics:
Kilometers - Cable-stayed - 1957 - Riccardo Morandi - Italian - Grün & Bilfinger - Julius Berger - Bauboag AG - Philipp Holzmann AG - Precomprimido C.A. - Wayss & Freytag

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It was opened on 25 August 1962 by then president of Venezuela Romulo Betancourt.

Related Topics:
25 August - 1962 - Romulo Betancourt

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In April 1964 parts of the bridge collapsed after a ship collision.

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The construction of a second bridge is planned, but is unlikely to occur.

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