Portugal opens 516-meter pedestrian suspension bridge, the world’s longest

Hugo Xavier became one of the first people to cross the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge when it opened on April 29 near his tiny hometown of Arouca in northern Portugal. “Oh ... here we go!” the 42-year-old said anxiously as he gathered the courage to step onto the see-through metal grid pathway of the 516-meter-long bridge. He was with his partner and a tour guide. The bridge hangs 175 meters above the fast-flowing Paiva River in Arouca Geopark. “I was a little afraid, but it was so worth it,” a relieved Xavier said after he crossed the bridge. “It was extraordinary, a unique experience, an adrenaline rush.” The bridge is held up by steel cables and two massive towers on each side, and wobbles a little with every step. It cost €2.3 million (¥262 million) to build, and locals hope it will help revive the region, especially after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. (Reuters) This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.