The Tsakona Arch Bridge ( el, Τοξωτή Γέφυρα Τσακώνας) is one of the world's longest multi-span

arch bridge An arch bridge is a bridge with abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side. A viaduct ...

s. It crosses the Tsakona Valley and it spans a dangerous location near Megalopoli, where in the last decades, there have been many landslides.Tsakona Bridge Τ4
Domi S.A.

Construction

The Tsakona Arch Bridge, with a length of 490 meters, was the last work that remained for the section Paradeisia – Tsakona axis Tripolis – Kalamata to be completed (made by the State and will be delivered to the consortium Moreas). As stated in the "Courage" by the project leader Nikos Donas, this bridge was one of the most difficult engineering projects, after the

Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge Charilaos (Greek: Χαρίλαος, in latin letters also spelled ''Kharilaos'' and ''Harilaos'', stress on the second syllable) is a Greek language male given name. Bearers of the name include: * Charilaos Trikoupis (1832-1896) * Charilaos Vasilak ...

. The project's cost was budgeted at €94 million but there were significant cost overruns. This was due largely to the complexity of building in the very challenging and unstable geologic conditions at the site. The original studies made for construction of the bridge had also underestimated the challenges associated with construction, this also caused budget and time overruns. As a result, the total cost finished at €131.5 million. The bridge is supported at three points: one at each end (abutments) and one that is closer to the top of the pier. This last is the most important: it is basically a giant 'prefab', which ensures the stability of the bridge. From the pier starts the arch of the bridge, with a maximum height of 30 meters. The two arches, one on each side, support the metal part of the bridge on which the road is located. Its construction started in 2008 and was opened for traffic in January 2016.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tsakonas Arch Bridge Arch bridges in Greece Bridges completed in 2014 Toll bridges in Greece Kalamata Megalopolis, Greece Bridges in Peloponnese (region) 2014 establishments in Greece