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Bridge · Maracaibo, Zulia
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
The cable-stayed bridge of almost 8.7 km across the strait of Lake Maracaibo, opened in 1962. It connects the city to the lake’s eastern shore and to the rest of the country.
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 General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
The Puente General Rafael Urdaneta spans the El Tablazo strait, the outlet of Lake Maracaibo to the Gulf of Venezuela. At 8,678 meters from one bank to the other, it links Maracaibo to the lake’s eastern shore and to roads leading to the rest of the country. The bridge is named after General Rafael Urdaneta, an independence hero born in Maracaibo.
The design is by Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi. Construction began in 1958 and the bridge was inaugurated on August 24, 1962. Built of reinforced and prestressed concrete, it has 135 spans; the five central spans, each 235 meters, are supported by cables attached to concrete towers and leave 46 meters of clearance over the water for ships.
It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Latin America and one of Zulia’s symbols.
The bridge is for vehicles only, with no pedestrian walkway. The most common ways to see it are to cross it by car or bus, or to view it from a distance from the city shore, for example from Vereda del Lago.
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
About 10 minutes to cross by car; more time if you want to observe it from the shore.
Best time
Late afternoon, with low light over the lake. The bridge may have partial closures for maintenance; confirm before you go.
How to get there
The west approach is in southern Maracaibo, about 10 km from the center. The crossing is done by car, taxi or bus.
Tip
If you’re heading east by road, the crossing is already part of the route. In the city, Vereda del Lago is a good place to view it from afar.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
What is the length of the bridge over Lake Maracaibo?
8,678 meters from one bank to the other, with 135 spans. It was inaugurated on August 24, 1962.
Can you walk across the Puente General Rafael Urdaneta?
No. The bridge is for vehicles only; you cross it by car, taxi, or bus.
Who designed the Maracaibo bridge?
The Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi. Construction began in 1958.