Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge celebrates 60 years of connecting communities
One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Since opening in August 1966, the 25 de Abril Bridge has transformed mobility across the Tagus River, connecting Lisbon with Almada and the communities of the south bank and supporting the economic development of the wider metropolitan area. Today, the bridge remains one of the essential transport links of the Portuguese capital, with more than 300,000 people crossing it every day. Stretching 2.3 km across the Tagus, it carries both road and rail traffic and connects directly with Lisbon’s major road network to the north and the A2 highway towards the south of Portugal.
For VINCI Highways, the 25 de Abril Bridge is part of a long-standing partnership in Portugal. Through Lusoponte, VINCI Highways and its partner Mota-Engil operate the two major road crossings of the Tagus in Lisbon: the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
This model has played an important role in the development of Lisbon’s mobility infrastructure. In 1994, the Lusoponte concession combined the operation of the existing 25 de Abril Bridge with the financing, construction and operation of a second crossing of the Tagus. The Vasco da Gama Bridge opened four years later, helping relieve congestion on the 25 de Abril Bridge while supporting the development of Lisbon’s south bank.
Together, the two bridges have become complementary gateways for the Lisbon metropolitan area, connecting people, businesses and territories on both sides of the Tagus.
Sixty years after its inauguration, the 25 de Abril Bridge continues to fulfil the same essential purpose: keeping Lisbon and its surrounding communities connected. Its anniversary was celebrated in August with a spectacular show of around 500 drones above the Tagus, illuminating one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks.
