“A couple dancing the tango” is how architect Santiago Calatrava described his design for the Puente de la Mujer. Here before us stands the Pequeño puente a rotating footbridge. It graces Dock 3 in Buenos Aires’ Puerto Madero district. This bridge is more than just a crossing. It’s a symbol of modern Buenos Aires.
The Puente de la Mujer is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge. It also functions as a swing bridge. It has an asymmetrical design that is unusual. A single mast supports the bridge with cables. This allows the bridge to rotate 90 degrees. This rotation allows boats to pass. The far end rests on a stabilizing pylon during these openings.
Construction of the Puente de la Mujer began in 1998. It opened on December 20, 2001. Businessman Alberto L. González conceived the project. He also donated the funds for its construction. The bridge cost about US$6 million. Urssa a steel fabrication company in Spain built it.
Jorge Heymann played a crucial role. He was an advertising executive. Heymann suggested a landmark footbridge would improve access to Puerto Madero. The developer agreed. The Puente de la Mujer became a reality.
Standing here you will notice its design which is similar to Calatrava’s other bridges. One is in Seville, Spain. Another spans the Sacramento River in Redding, California. The Puente de la Mujer is unique. It features a forward-angled cantilever.
This Pequeño puente stretches 170 meters long and is 6.20 meters wide. It weighs 800 tonnes. The bridge has two fixed sections. These measure 25 meters and 32.50 meters. A central section of 102.5 meters rotates. It turns on a white concrete pylon. This allows vessels to pass in under two minutes. A steel “needle” with a concrete core supports this section. The needle stands 34 meters high. Inclined at a 39-degree angle it anchors the suspension cables. A computer system controls the turning mechanism.
Many streets in Puerto Madero have women’s names. This inspired the name Puente de la Mujer. The bridge was declared a Cultural Heritage site in 2018.
In 2022, the bridge’s floor got a renovation. Plastic wood was used. This wood was made from recycled bottles. The bottles were donated. They came from the city’s green points.
As you stroll across the Pequeño puente, consider its impact. It connects people and places. It symbolizes the tango and celebrates women. It stands as a testament to Buenos Aires’ vibrant culture.