Steel giant. That’s what came to my mind the first time I saw Puente Barraca Peña. This isn’t just a bridge. It’s a testament to Buenos Aires’ industrial past. Puente Barraca Peña stands tall over the Riachuelo. It marks the boundary between Buenos Aires and Avellaneda.
Let’s delve into its story. The bridge owes its name to Francisco de la Peña y Fernández. He was a Galician businessman. He built a storage barrack near the old station in 1774. This barrack became quite the landmark. So much so that when a railway station was built nearby in 1870, it was named Barraca Peña.
Fast forward to the early 20th century. Buenos Aires was booming. The Ferrocarril del Sud railway company recognized the need for better infrastructure. They acquired the Barraca Peña station. They planned a new bascule bridge to handle increasing freight traffic.
In 1913, Puente Barraca Peña was inaugurated. This steel structure stretches 88.2 meters. It is an engineering marvel. Its bascule design allows ships to pass freely on the Riachuelo. The bridge lowers to allow cargo trains to cross. It connects Buenos Aires with the province.
The Puente Barraca Peña replaced an older bridge. That older structure was located 100 meters upriver near Puente Pueyrredón. The new bridge was strategically placed. It connected the Ferrocarril General Roca to Puerto Madero. It also linked to the main line near the old Bullrich cargo station.
The bridge has two fixed sections that measure 26.80 meters. There is also a central bascule section. It measures 28.50 meters. A 6.10-meter section accommodates the tracks.
The Puente Barraca Peña’s foundations are impressive too. Masonry abutments rest on cylindrical concrete-filled foundations. These extend deep into the riverbed. They reach depths of 24.50 to 26.60 meters.
Interestingly, Puente Barraca Peña is the only surviving bascule bridge of the former Ferrocarril del Sud. The company disappeared in 1948. Since then, Ferrocarril General Roca operates the bridge.
Even today, Puente Barraca Peña plays a vital role. It supports the Ferrocarril General Roca. It allows cargo trains to travel. It connects the city with various points in the Buenos Aires province.
The bridge remains mostly raised. This allows boats to navigate the Riachuelo. When a train needs to cross, the bridge lowers. The massive steel structure descends. It provides a passage for the train.
So, as you stand before Puente Barraca Peña, remember its history. Remember Francisco de la Peña. Appreciate the engineering. Recognize its significance. It’s a living piece of Buenos Aires’ industrial heritage.