monument · Natal, RN
Ponte Newton Navarro
Opened in 2007, the cable-stayed bridge crosses the Potengi River and links the city beaches to the North Zone, at 1.78 km long with 103-meter towers. It is named after the artist and poet who portrayed the river's landscape and fishermen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ponte Newton Navarro
The Newton Navarro Bridge is Natal's great cable-stayed bridge. It crosses the Potengi River near its mouth and links the East Zone, around the Santos Reis neighborhood and Forte dos Reis Magos, to the North Zone, on the Redinha beach side. It has become one of the city's postcard images.
It opened in November 2007. Its official name is Ponte de Todos – Newton Navarro, in honor of Natal artist Newton Navarro, who was a poet, visual artist and playwright. Many people also call it the Ponte Forte-Redinha.
The central span sits high above the river and is held up by steel cables attached to the towers. The bridge appears in almost every view of the northern waterfront: from Forte dos Reis Magos, Praia do Forte and Redinha you can see it with the river and the sea behind. At night, it is lit up.
For most tourists, the way to enjoy it is by crossing it. It is the driving route to Redinha, Genipabu and the other north coast beaches, and from the top the view takes in the river, the city and the sea. The bridge has side lanes used by pedestrians and cyclists, but crossing on foot is long and uphill at both ends.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes is enough to see and photograph it from the Fort's viewpoint or the waterfront; driving across takes a few minutes.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the side light brings out the cables and the river, or just after dark, with the bridge lit up. The dry weather in the second half of the year usually brings the clearest skies.
How to get there
The south end is in Santos Reis, in the East Zone, near Forte dos Reis Magos and Praia do Forte, a few kilometers from downtown and Ribeira. The north end reaches Redinha. If you go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app to Genipabu and the north coast, you cross it.
Tip
If you are heading to Genipabu by ride-hailing app or buggy, ask the driver for a quick stop near the bridge for photos; the bridge itself is no place to stop the car.
A look at the place
Ponte Newton Navarro in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ponte Newton Navarro
Can you walk across the Newton Navarro Bridge?
Yes. The bridge has side lanes used by pedestrians and cyclists. The crossing is long and uphill at both ends; bring water and avoid the strong midday sun.
Is there a toll to cross the bridge?
No. The bridge is part of the city's road network and has no toll.
Where can I get a good photo of the bridge?
Forte dos Reis Magos and Praia do Forte, in the East Zone, and Redinha beach, across the river, have good views of the bridge with the Potengi River and the sea.
Is the bridge on the way to Genipabu?
Yes. If you are heading from Natal's city beaches to Redinha, Genipabu and the north coast, you usually cross the bridge.
Who was Newton Navarro?
An artist from Natal who was a poet, visual artist and playwright. The bridge's official name is Ponte de Todos – Newton Navarro.