IN SHORT
The Alameda Bridge spans 130 meters (426.4 feet) over the former bed of the diverted Turia River to connect the university district in the north with Valencia's old town off the southern banks, thus providing an all-important pedestrian crossing point for the area. A subway station, aligned on the same longitudinal axis directly below the bridge was constructed at the same time. The two elements have been treated as independent urban features, with organized sets of ramps and stairways providing indirect connections between them. An open station was proposed in the original competition design, with access at the north and south ends of the new bridge. After awarded the first prize, the design was modified to cover the entire station while creating an open space that would emphasize the line to the park.
The steel bridge structure employs an arch inclined at an 70-degree angle, made up of two basic tubes of constant yet different diameter, joined by regularly-spaced welded webs. To ensure the stability of the offset arch, rigid tension arms are placed at regular intervals of 5.84 meters (19 feet). The vehicle deck, comprising of four consecutive cells is designed for maximum rigidity, while the pedestrian decks are cantilevered off to each side. The total length of the bridge is 163 meters (534.6 feet), with a maximum span of 130 meters (426.4 feet). The white painted soffice forms a gentle curve over the piazza-like roof of the Alameda subway station. Externally, the subway is now expressed only as a paved and translucent-glass surface, punctuated by a series of protruding, angled skylights. The approaches to the subway are from either side of the embankment, via ramps and stairs that lead down to the plaza.
The platforms can be reached via elevators housed in the buttresses of the bridge and via escalators and stairs that are accessed through mechanical doors. When open, these doors frame the entrances; when closed, they are flush with the paving, thus sealing the station. At night, light filters up through the glass inlay to gently illuminate the bridge. A simple local cladding made of broken white tiles is used for the wall surfaces. Below grade, the side walls are hollow core to prevent ground water seepage. Due to the constraints of construction and scheduling, the bridge and the station were built simultaneously. Once the station was complete, the bridge was winched into position.
YEAR
1991 - 1995
ADDRESS
Pont de l'Exposició, 7083
46010 València
Spain