Portugal Wins World's Longest Suspension Bridge Thanks To 516 Arouca Brigde

516 Arouca Bridge, Portugal. (HighestBridges.com/Andrea Fonso)

JAKARTA - Portugal officially holds the title of the country's owner of the longest suspension bridge in the world, after the inauguration of 516 Arouca Brigde on Sunday, May 2.

More than half a kilometer wide, the length of the bridge is as the name suggests, 516 meters, suspended 175 meters above the river Paiva, northern Portugal.

The bridge hangs on a heavy steel cable, connected to a V-shaped concrete tower, as the main support of the bridge which was inaugurated directly by Mayor Arouca Margarinda Belem.

Connecting two granite slopes located in the Municipality of Arouce, Portugal, this bridge consists of 127 net trays with metal fences. Thus, it is sturdy to be crossed simultaneously.

516 Arouca Bridge, Portugal. (HighestBridges.com/Andrea Fonso)

"Although the construction of the bridge has long been completed, but the inauguration is important because it allows us to continue our tourist activities," Arouca Mayor Margarida Belem said as he welcomed the opening of 'fundamental attractions' for the region, euronews reported.

Before it was inaugurated, the bridge was opened to the public on Thursday 29 April, so that the local community could try this bridge. Previously, on the banks of the Paiva River there was already an 8-kilometer wooden bridge that leads to the valley floor. With the inauguration of this bridge, Portugal took the Swiss 'crown' which previously had the longest suspension bridge in the world, Charles Kuonen in the Alps.

516 Arouca Bridge, Portugal. (HighestBridges.com/Andrea Fonso)

Although the height may be scary for some people, some locals who have the opportunity to try this bridge claim to enjoy their first experience.

"It's very well built. I highly recommend you to come though, like me, you are afraid of heights. I have to admit that I didn't suffer at all when I crossed," said Arouca resident Rui Brandao.

Meanwhile, another resident named Marcio Soares claimed to be impressed by this bridge, although previously did not believe in the bridge project.

"I'm proud to be here and it's a unique experience," he said.