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Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
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Landmark
The Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, commonly known as Ponte Estaiada, is a landmark cable-stayed bridge located in São Paulo, Brazil. Opened in May 2008, it spans the Pinheiros River and connects the Marginal Pinheiros expressway to Jornalista Roberto Marinho Avenue. Its most striking feature is the X-shaped support tower, which rises 138 meters above the river and supports two levels of curved road tracks. This architectural design is unique globally, being the only bridge where two curved decks are supported by a single X-shaped pylon. The structure is anchored by 144 yellow steel cables that are illuminated at night by a sophisticated LED system capable of various color displays. Named after an influential Brazilian media mogul, the bridge has become a symbol of the city's modernization and urban growth, frequently appearing in media and postcards of São Paulo.
- Location: Brazil
- Top sights: Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia · Museu de Oceanografia · Museu de Geociências
- Nearby: Diadema (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 228 | 178 | 153 | 91 | 68 | 55 | 62 | 37 | 68 | 106 | 151 | 184 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge (Ponte Estaiada) is a road bridge open to traffic at all times with a pedestrian walkway. It can be crossed on foot on the sidewalk; the interior cannot be visited.
Typical hours
The bridge is open 24/7 as part of the road network. The pedestrian walkway is also usable at any time; no separate opening hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed from the walkway and surrounding waterfront areas. The tension cables and night lighting provide spectacular subjects; a tripod is recommended for night shots.
Time needed
A walk across the bridge takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you stroll along the banks and view the architecture from different angles, allow 30 to 45 minutes.
Combine with
The bridge is located in southern São Paulo near Parque do Povo and Avenida Engenheiro Luís Carlos Berrini. Combine the visit with a walk through the Brooklin Novo business district.
Getting there
The bridge is accessible by car (via Marginal Pinheiros) or by bus. The nearest metro station (Brooklin, Line 5) is about a 15-minute walk away.
Insider tip
Come in the evening when the bridge is colorfully lit and reflected in the Pinheiros River. Use the walkways on both sides for different perspectives - the south side gives the skyline view.
Geography
Facts
- The bridge was officially inaugurated on May 10, 2008.
- The X-shaped tower stands at a height of 138 meters.
- It features 144 stay cables that support the weight of the decks.
- The main span of the bridge is approximately 290 meters long.
- It is the only bridge in the world with two curved tracks at one tower.
- The structure used roughly 58,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge (18)
Parque do Povo🌳 park
This park features specialized tracks for cycling and skateboarding along with public chess tables.
🌐 prefeitura.sp.gov.br🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-22:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Ponte Estaiada located?
It crosses the Pinheiros River in the south zone of São Paulo.
Can you walk across the bridge?
No, the bridge is for motor traffic only; there are no pedestrian walkways.
When is the bridge illuminated?
The bridge is lit up every evening, often in changing colors for special occasions.
Where is the best view of the bridge?
The best photos can be taken from the bike paths along the river or nearby skyscrapers.
Why is this bridge so special?
It is the only cable-stayed bridge in the world with two curved tracks supported by a single mast.
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge: where is it located?
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is located in Brazil.
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, Museu de Oceanografia, Museu de Geociências.
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, commonly known as Ponte Estaiada, is a landmark cable-stayed bridge located in São Paulo, Brazil.
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