The World's Longest Suspension Bridge

On Monday, a recreation center in Arouca, Portugal opened an unparalleled new extension. Despite the fact that it's very high, it's the length of the scaffold that has established a standard. It's the world's longest draping span for walkers – more than five football fields long. 

The 516 Arouca connect runs between two mountains in Arouca Geopark in Portugal. The "516" in its name comes from the way that it's 516 meters (564 yards) in length

It's an engineered overpass, which implies that it hangs between its two finishes with no backings under. The developers say the scaffold was enlivened by engineered overpasses worked by the old Inca individuals in the Andes Mountains in South America. 

In contrast to the scaffolds of the Incas, which were made of grass, 516 Arouca is made essentially of metal. Solid steel links run back from the extension to the enormous V-molded backings which anchor the scaffold at one or the flip side. The extension was begun in May, 2018. It cost $2.8 million, and took more than two years to finish.

However, despite the fact that the scaffold is emphatically made, it's still somewhat alarming to stroll on. The sides and lower part of the extension are worked with a metal lattice that is not difficult to see through. 

At its most noteworthy point, the extension is 191 yards (175 meters) off the ground. Far, far beneath is the hurrying Paiva River, which is a famous spot for wilderness boating. 

Arouca Geopark is notable for its delightful characteristic view and the numerous outside exercises that should be possible there. There are renowned stone developments and cascades. Along the Paiva River, there's a 5-mile (8-kilometer) wooden walkway for climbing and survey the landscape and untamed life. 

The 516 Arouca connect in Portugal's Arouca Geopark. View from underneath, with cascade in foundation.

But because of the coronavirus pandemic, the numbers of tourists in the area have been low. Though the bridge was finished last July, if wasn’t officially opened until Monday.

Now, the city of Arouca is hoping that the bridge will bring lots of tourists – and their money – to the area. Arouca’s Mayor, Margarida Belém, says proudly, “There’s no other bridge like this one in the world.”

City leaders think the bridge could attract people for a lot of different reasons. Some might come for the scenery. Others might come to see how the bridge was built. But perhaps most will come to enjoy the safe, but scary experience of walking across.

The website for the bridge describes the walk as “the most exciting 516 meters of your life”. If you walk quickly, it’s possible to cross the bridge in less than 10 minutes. But many people will want to take their time to enjoy the scenery – and the thrill.

Before the official opening, people who lived nearby were invited to check the bridge out. Hugo Xavier was the first one to cross. “I was a little afraid,” he said, “But it was so worth it.”