Bella Unión – Barra do Quaraí International Bridge

Tripoint areas are fascinating. Our primary focus was to visit the southernmost tripoint in the world – ARBRUY – the tripoint between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, however as is the case with wet tripoints there are also physical links and/or ferries between the adjacent countries. The Bella Unión – Barra do Quaraí International Bridge is a concrete bridge that spans 670 meters across the Quaraí River, connecting Bella Unión in Uruguay with Barra do Quaraí in Brazil. Uraguay is linked to Argentina via a ferry between Bella Unión and Monte Caseros, Argentina details here.

Click on map above for Google Maps location

The Road Bridge

It is a modern road structure with a wide traffic lane that carries traffic directly between the two countries. The bridge was completed in 1976, establishing the first permanent vehicular connection between Brazil and Uruguay at this important border crossing. This structure marked a significant step in improving trade and transport links between the two countries.

Vehicles can cross the bridge without paying tolls, with direct access to Brazil via the BR-472 highway and to Uruguay via Route 3 at kilometre 636. The crossing process is simple and involves standard border procedures. Unfortunately because we were in a hire car we could not cross into Brazil.

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On the border…

The Railway Bridge

Next to the modern road bridge is a historic railway bridge from 1915, showing how transportation has evolved at this border crossing. The rail bridge was opened in 1887 by the English company The Brazil Great Southern Railway Co. Ltd., who operated it until 1924, when the State of Rio Grande do Sul took it over. The bridge was designed to facilitate the transportation of salted beef products. The last train crossed in 1988 and it is now in an advanced state of disrepair. The tracks on either side have been removed. The community of Barras has requested consideration of a project that would give a tourist and leisure purpose to one of the most significant and beautiful bridges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

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Near the bridge there was gravel extraction occuring

Uruguayan Border Facilities

As with other border crossings on the IBRG SATEX-25 expedition there were no restrictions to us exploring the border facilities and walking on to the bridge up to the border. Border Officials were friendly and welcoming.