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Bridge · José Ignacio, Maldonado
Puente Laguna Garzón
Circular bridge by Rafael Viñoly over Laguna Garzón, opened in 2015 on the border between Maldonado and Rocha, with sidewalks and viewpoints over the water.
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 Puente Laguna Garzón
The bridge crosses Laguna Garzón near the sea, on the border between the departments of Maldonado and Rocha, about 8 km northeast of José Ignacio. It was inaugurated on December 22, 2015, and replaced a small ferry that carried two cars at a time and depended on daylight and weather.
The project was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. Instead of a straight line, the roadway splits into two semicircles, one for each direction, which meet at the end. The shape forces drivers to slow down and reduces the shadow cast over the lagoon.
The central ring has 323 meters of roadway and about 100 meters in diameter. There are sidewalks on both sides, outside and inside the circle, in addition to areas for viewing the landscape and fishing.
Laguna Garzón has been a protected area in the National System of Protected Areas since 2014 and is known for birdwatching. The fishing boats and the shallow water complete the landscape seen from the bridge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, including a stop to walk along the sidewalks.
Best time
Any time of year. In the late afternoon the light over the lagoon is often prettier. On very windy days the walk across the bridge can be chilly.
How to get there
It is on Ruta 10, about 8 km northeast of José Ignacio and about 50 km from Punta del Este. A car is necessary: there is no regular transport to the bridge.
Tip
Park off the road before the bridge and use the sidewalks to walk. On the other side the Rocha coastline begins.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puente Laguna Garzón
Who designed the circular bridge over Laguna Garzón?
The Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. The bridge was inaugurated in December 2015.
Why is the bridge circular?
The shape forces cars to slow down, opens the view over the lagoon, and reduces the shadow on the water.
Can you walk across the bridge?
Yes, there are sidewalks on both sides, on the outside and the inside of the circle.
Where is the bridge located?
On Ruta 10, over Laguna Garzón, on the border between Maldonado and Rocha, about 8 km northeast of José Ignacio.