The “Leonel Viera II” Bridge of La Barra – Maldonado was reopened and enabled
This December 21, the “Leonel Viera II” bridge in La Barra was reopened and traffic was enabled after about six months of work. The work, carried out by the company Saceem, was carried out in two stages. The first in 2022 for provisional reinforcement, and the second in 2023 for definitive stabilization. This allowed it to be operational again for the upcoming summer season. The goal of this project is to maintain fluid circulation during the next season and extend the useful life of the bridge.
The reopening and reopening of the “Leonel Viera II” bridge was attended by the Mayor of Maldonado Enrique Antía, municipal authorities, as well as directors of Saceem.
The bridge had suffered a shift from its original structure and some damage had been detected, which required an immediate solution. The initial works were provisional and after the summer of 2022 the definitive repair was carried out, which culminates today with the bridge fully reinforced.
During the first stage of the work, the bridge was supported on a temporary metal structure on piles, which was also used to raise the level of the bridge using large hydraulic jacks. This allowed the opening in record time for the 2022 season. Later, this year, work was carried out for the definitive repair, which included the manufacture of a structural system composed of two frames with 8 piles, 2 heads, 4 struts and 2 reinforced concrete transverse beams, each on each side of the bridge. The work on the porticos was highly complex because much of it was submerged, which required the application of new methods to meet the objectives.
In addition, a support system was built at the bridge ends, consisting of two new abutments, each supported on 4 piles. These stirrups include tensioners that are anchored in the existing solids. This new reinforced concrete structure guarantees the stability of the bridge. In addition, new quarter-cone coatings and repairs and reinforcements of various structural elements were carried out.
The “Leonel Viera II” Bridge is an important road connection that connects the city of Punta del Este with La Barra. The 150 meter long structure is considered a true heritage of the department of Maldonado.