John Paul II Bridge (Chile)

John Paul II Bridge
Juan Pablo II Bridge, view from Concepcion
Coordinates	36°49′26″S 73°5′30″W
Crosses	Bio-Bio River
Locale	Concepcion & Talcahuano, Greater Concepción and San Pedro de la Paz, Greater Concepción
Other name(s)	Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) (from 1974 to 1987)
Characteristics
Total length	2,310 m (7,580 ft)
Width	21.9 m (72 ft)
History
Opened	April, 1974
Location

The John Paul II Bridge (Spanish: Puente Juan Pablo II), also known as the New Bridge (Spanish: Puente Nuevo), is a bridge in Chile connecting Concepción and Talcahuano with San Pedro de la Paz, through the Biobío River. Since completion in 1974 it has remained the longest bridge in the country. It was significantly damaged in the 8.8 magnitude February 27, 2010 Chile earthquake.

Structure

The bridge was designed by E.W.H. Gifford & Partners from England. It is 2310 m. (7.578ft) in length. It is formed by 70 parts of 33 m. each one and with a width of 21.9 m. (including 2 passerby corridors of 1.6 m.)

Naming

When the bridge was finished in 1974, it had no official name,. People began calling it "Puente Nuevo" ("New Bridge"), as it was the second bridge across the Biobío River after "Puente Viejo" ("Old Bridge"), now closed. When Pope John Paul II visited Concepción the bridge was named after him as a tribute.