Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (), commonly called Ponte JK (), is a steel and concrete arch bridge across Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. It connects the eastern shore of the lake – where Lago Sul, Paranoá and Brasília International Airport are located – to Brasília's city center, via the Monumental Axis. Opened to traffic on December 15, 2002, its distinctive silhouette quickly became a Brasília landmark. The bridge is named after President Juscelino Kubitschek, who served from 1956 to 1961, and is generally considered the main figure supporting the construction of the planned city of Brasília. It was designed by architect Alexandre Chan and structural engineer Mário Vila Verde. Description The bridge structure is long, wide and has two three-lane carriageways in each direction and walkways fitted with guard-rails on either for cyclists and pedestrians, each wide, and three spans. The main span structure has four supporting pillars standing on the Lake Paranoá lakebed; and the deck weight is supported by three asymmetrical steel arches that crisscross diagonally. The decks are suspended by steel cables alternating at each side of the deck, interlacing in a twisted plane. The entire structure has a total length of , and was completed at a cost of US$56.8 million. The bridge has a pedestrian walkway and is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. Awards Alexandre Chan received the Gustav Lindenthal Medal for the bridge's project at the 2003 International Bridge Conference in Pittsburgh. This medal is awarded "for a single, recent outstanding achievement showing harmony with the environment, aesthetic merit and successful community participation". The bridge was also awarded the 2003 Premio Abcem (ABCEM Award) for "Best Steel Work of the Year, Bridges and Highway Overpasses Category", granted by the Brazilian Metal Construction Association (Associação Brasileira da Construção Metálica, ABCEM). References External links Photo 360° of JK Bridge - GUIABSB International Bridge Conference Award Winners Associação Brasileira da Construção Metálica Satellite picture on Google Maps Night photo showing pedestrian / bike path Daytime photo Interview with architect Alexandre Chan Bridges in Brazil Through arch bridges Bridges completed in 2002 Buildings and structures in Brasília