Ponte Vasco da Gama
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About
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Why go
- When built, Ponte Vasco da Gama was Europe’s longest bridge.
- It was designed to withstand winds of 250 km/h and an earthquake 4.5 times stronger than the 1755 quake.
Don't miss
- Cable-stayed main spanCables running from the roadway to the towers support the 420-metre central span. Ships have 45 metres of clearance beneath it at high tide.Main bridge over the Tagus
- Central viaductThis 6.351-kilometre section rests on 81 pairs of piers and rises to 30 metres over two navigable channels.Central section of the crossing
- Southern viaductThe 3.825-kilometre southern viaduct passes over the Samouco salt pans, an environmentally sensitive bird area.Southern section of the crossing
Know before you go
- Lusoponte collects tolls in Alcochete for westbound traffic toward Lisbon.
Interesting facts6
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The bridge was designed for a 120-year lifespan.
Vasco da Gama Bridge - Wikipedia -
1,916 piles
Workers drove 1,916 piles; some reach 95 metres into the riverbed.
Ponte Vasco da Gama - Wikipedia -
Calculations for pier placement included Earth’s curvature to avoid a one-metre error at the far end.
Pont Vasco de Gama - Wikipedia -
Charles Lavigne designed the bridge.
Pont Vasco de Gama - Wikipedia -
900 million
Construction cost about €900 million.
Pont Vasco de Gama - Wikipedia -
Hydraulic couplers let the central viaduct move but lock it during earthquakes.
Pont Vasco de Gama - Wikipedia
History
- 1995–1998Construction began in February 1995 to ease congestion on the Ponte 25 de Abril and divert north–south traffic around central Lisbon. The bridge was built for Expo 98.
- 1995–1998Almost 300 families were rehoused during construction, and Lusoponte built a new school.
- 10 April 1997Metal scaffolding collapsed during construction, killing six workers.
- 29 March 1998The bridge opened to traffic in time for Expo 98.
How to get there
- CarThe A12 crosses the bridge on six lanes, three in each direction. The northern approach connects to the A1 and A12, and the crossing gives direct access to the former Expo grounds and Lisbon Airport.
Sources: Vasco da Gama Bridge - Wikipedia · Lisbon/Parque das Nações - Wikivoyage (see) · Ponte Vasco da Gama - Wikipedia · Pont Vasco de Gama - Wikipedia · Ponte Vasco da Gama - Wikipedia · checked 30 Sep 2026
Questions and answers
Is there a toll on Ponte Vasco da Gama?
Lusoponte collects tolls at Alcochete for westbound traffic towards Lisbon.
Why is Ponte Vasco da Gama named that?
Its name marks 500 years since Vasco da Gama reached India by the eastern sea route in May 1498.
How busy is Ponte Vasco da Gama?
Around 90,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.
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