Protecting the local environment
Since the bridge crosses the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, an extensive environmental programme had to be implemented to minimise the impact on local biodiversity, especially on the aquatic birds that use the estuary as a feeding and nesting area.
“One of the greatest challenges was minimising the environmental impact on the Tagus Estuary, a critical area for local biodiversity. We have adopted various measures to protect the flora and fauna, a commitment we are very proud of”.
The project faced significant technical and environmental challenges. The need to minimise the environmental impact led to the adoption of construction techniques that would preserve the Tagus estuary wetlands beneath the bridge. In addition, the bridge's lighting was designed to reduce light pollution, to protect the Tagus River's ecosystem.
A bridge to the future
Since its inauguration, the Vasco da Gama Bridge has become a vital artery for daily traffic, with more than 62 000 vehicles crossing the river every day.
The Montijo and Alcochete municipalities have also experienced demographic growth and economic development, because of their direct access to Lisbon.
At the same time, the bridge has also promoted the growth of public transport in the region and investment in businesses and companies, helping to boost the local economy. Many of the new residents work in skilled jobs in Lisbon, which has raised the region's per capita income.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is more than an imposing structure — it is a bridge to the future, uniting people, economies and cultures. It symbolises the positive impact that cooperation and large-scale investment can have on all our lives.
Over the years, the Vasco da Gama Bridge has won various engineering awards, in recognition of its exceptional design and transformative impact on the region. It has not only improved connectivity and economic development, but also stands as a testament to the human capacity to overcome great technical and environmental challenges.