Description of the attraction
The bridge connecting two continents - North and South America, is thrown across the Pacific Ocean, in front of the Panama Canal. The construction of the Bridge of the Americas in 1959-1962 was carried out by the Americans. They spent $ 20 million on the construction of this structure. The uniqueness of the bridge was that it did not need to be raised before the passage of ships. Two more drawbridges were built across the Panama Canal - near the Miraflores and Gatun locks. At the beginning of the XXI century, a second fixed bridge appeared here, called the Bridge of the Century. For more than 50 years, the Pan American Highway has crossed the Bridge of the Americas.
Initially, the bridge was named after the ferry that ply between the two banks of the canal - "Thatcher Fairy Bridge". And Maurice Thatcher, after whose name the ferry was named, was a well-known official in Panama who solemnly opened the bridge after its construction. But almost no one used the name Thatcher Fairy Bridge, so the bridge was renamed.
The Bridge of the Americas is 1,654 meters long. The bridge has a single arch with a length of 259 meters. During high tides, the water level in the ocean rises significantly, and more than 61 meters remain between the bridge and the water surface. This means that all ships that want to pass under the bridge must not exceed this line in height.
In the evening, the Bridge of the Americas is beautifully illuminated. The most spectacular footage of the illuminated bridge can be taken from the Balboa promenade, where a pier for small boats is equipped. Cars are constantly rushing across the bridge. Wide entrances to this structure are equipped for them. Pedestrians can also walk across the bridge.
