Two waves
Up and down.
Axe — Public domain · adrian — CC BY 2.0 · Jimmy Baikovicius — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jimmy Baikovicius — CC BY-SA 2.0
An oddly shaped concrete bridge across the Maldonado stream east of Punta del Este, its deck rising and falling in two successive waves like a roller coaster, designed by Uruguayan engineer Leonel Viera and opened in 1965, now a regional emblem. Cars crossing it give passengers a rise-and-dip sensation like a ride, so many drive over slowly for the experience. Beside it a straighter modern twin carries traffic the other way, along with a footway. Around the bridge are beaches and the stream's mouth where it meets the ocean, and across the water is the small town of La Barra with its shops, restaurants and galleries. It is lovely at sunset, when the bridge's arches reflect in the water. The best view is from the banks below, where its slanted concrete arches show. Punta del Este is very busy and pricey in summer, December to February, and very quiet the rest of the year.
Up and down.
Stream meets sea.
An arty town.
Mouth of the Maldonado stream, between Punta del Este and La Barra
Engineer Leonel Viera designed it in 1965 with a two-wave deck, now a fun drive and a regional symbol.