New Alcántara bridge in Spain

Abstract

From chronological, constructive and heritage conservation points of view the Roman bridge of Alcántara (Spain) is an exceptional bridge. Erected around 103 AD on the Tagus River, it is still in use today for road traffic. Recently, the construction of a new bridge 200 meters upstream from the old one, intended to relegate the old bridge to pedestrian use, has been promoted. The examination of the new project and its long administrative procedure, as well as the analysis of the characteristics of the Roman bridge and its surroundings, both from a territorial and social point of view, provide a foothold to assess the new bridge according to a broad conception of heritage conservation. The objective of this work is to underline the unique history of the conservation of this bridge and, while presenting proposed solution for the new bridge, to highlight the patrimonial conditions that have been taken into account. The conclusion is that the administrative procedure followed in order to choose the solution and the project for the new Alcántara bridge are not adequate to the characteristics of such an outstanding monument.