Infrastructure

Iron Bridge

The historic centre of Zamora is linked to the district of Pinilla by the renowned Puente de Hierro (Iron Bridge).

This extensive infrastructure is one of five bridges spanning the Duero river that connect the capital of Zamora with the opposite bank. The site represents an optimal vantage point from which to appreciate the modern history of the capital of Zamora and the vistas of the Duero River and the city.

The edifice's genesis can be traced to the late 19th century, with the commencement of construction occurring in 1892 and the inauguration to the public in 1900. The bridge was designed by the engineer Prudencio Guadalajara with the objective of supporting the old stone bridge, which was beginning to deteriorate, to make room for wheeled vehicles and to facilitate the economic development of the surrounding villages. To fulfil this objective, a cast-iron infrastructure was manufactured in three sections of 53.95 metres and two sections of 47.24 metres in the horizontal profile, resulting in a total length exceeding 250 metres. The project had a material execution cost of 774,911.37 pesetas. This piece of metal architecture is representative of the period in which innovation in both aesthetics and functionality was sought.

The original bridge was replaced in 1933 by another of similar characteristics, constructed in the Sestao Shipyard in Bilbao. This was undertaken due to the low strength of the original bridge and the high level of deterioration it had suffered. It is reported that the replacement of the rail line took only 22 minutes, an unprecedented event in the city since it was not necessary to stop rail traffic. The last restoration of the structure was carried out in 1999, during which the weak points were reinforced, thus extending the useful life of this great ingenuity.

The bridge is currently 255 metres in length and comprises five lintels, with spacings of between 40 and 48 metres. The bridge deck is supported by five girder sections. The deck is supported by five girder sections, which allows for a pavement width of five metres. The infrastructure has been designed to accommodate temperature fluctuations and metal expansion. The structure incorporates a series of transparent apertures that facilitate a design that is both cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. This is achieved by considering the functional requirements of the metal assembly and the desired visual impact.