Dom Luís I Bridge

The bridge was designed by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig and constructed in 1886. Seyrig was a former partner of Gustave Eiffel, though Eiffel's own company was not involved in this specific structure. The design was a remarkable feat of steel arch engineering for its time.

This dual-use bridge accommodates both pedestrians and various forms of vehicular traffic. The upper deck is currently utilized by the Porto Metro light rail system and a pedestrian walkway. The lower deck carries standard road traffic and another pedestrian path across the Douro River.

The bridge was constructed to provide a vital, permanent crossing over the Douro River, replacing an older, less stable pontoon bridge. It was named in honor of King Luís I of Portugal. The steep topography of the river gorge required the massive steel arch design to connect the high riverbanks.

Yes, the upper deck of the historic bridge was heavily renovated and integrated into the modern Porto Metro system. It specifically carries Line D (the Yellow Line) of the light rail network. The adaptation allowed the 19th-century structure to remain a critical transportation artery in the 21st century.