The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon spans about 17.2 kilometres and is the longest bridge in the European Union, carrying road traffic across the Tagus River and easing connections between the city and its southern suburbs since the late 1990s.
Location and purpose
The bridge links the northern and southern banks of the Tagus River near Lisbon, providing a direct route to suburban areas such as Alcochete and Montijo and relieving congestion on older crossings while supporting regional development and commuter traffic.
Dimensions and design
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable‑stayed structure combined with long viaduct sections, with a total length of roughly 17.2 kilometres and pylons rising to notable heights; its design balances long‑span crossing requirements with resilience to wind and seismic loads.
History and opening
Construction began in the mid‑1990s and the bridge was inaugurated in 1998 to coincide with Lisbon’s Expo and to mark improved infrastructure for the metropolitan area, becoming both an engineering landmark and a practical transport link.
Importance
Beyond its transport function, the bridge symbolises late 20th‑century investment in Portugal’s infrastructure and remains a visible feature of the Tagus estuary, accommodating heavy daily traffic and contributing to economic connectivity across the region.
Quick related facts
- Length: ~17.2 km.
- Opened: 1998.
- Crosses: Tagus River; connects Lisbon to southern bank towns.
- Status: longest bridge in the European Union.