Mariano Rajoy insists that new bridge in Cadiz will lead to "growth and jobs for the entire region"

Constitución de 1812 Bridge, Cadiz

In his speech, the President of the Government stressed that the Constitución de 1812 Bridge is already "one of the most outstanding and spectacular infrastructures not only in Spain but anywhere in Europe". He added that it represents "an engineering feat that, today, couldn't fail to figure on the list of major achievements by Spanish talent".

The President of the Government explained that the project opened this Thursday is a fine example of commitment to cutting-edge techniques and technology, as well as commitment to the environment, in such a "unique location" as the Cadiz Bay Natural Park. It is a project "that will characterise an era", he said.

He also said that the new bridge is not only the "successful culmination of a project that will serve the people" but that it will also "have an outstanding effect on growth and employment throughout the region and especially here, in the province of Cadiz". All the people of Cadiz will benefit from this infrastructure, especially those in Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, San Fernando, Chiclana and the city of Cadiz itself.

Over 10 billion euros in infrastructure projects for Andalusia

Subdelegación del Gobierno en CádizThe President of the Government stressed that all great projects need "a spirit of cooperation, unity and loyalty", meaning that this bridge "would not have been possible without everyone's help". Furthermore, the project is a fine example of "the commitment made by the governments to infrastructure projects", he said.

In this regard, he explained that, in spite of the difficulties, the public authorities have continued investing in infrastructure projects because they are "essential" to growth, job creation and increased well-being. He also recalled that the Central Government has invested over 10 billion euros between 2012 and 2016 in infrastructure projects in Andalusia.

Mariano Rajoy expressed pride in the fact that countries from all five continents use the talent of Spanish companies "for large-scale, quality projects". Examples of such projects include the Panama Canal, the high-speed railway link between Mecca and Medina, and metro systems in major cities worldwide. He said that we must be aware of that and "this major project we are opening today will be a permanent reminder of what the people of Spain are capable of doing when we build on the pillars of understanding and harmony".

The magnitude of the new bridge between Cadiz and Puerto Real

Pool MoncloaBesides thanking companies and workers for their efforts on building this infrastructure project, the President of the Government provided a few figures to demonstrate "the magnitude of this great public works project": at three kilometres in length, the new bridge in Cadiz is now the European bridge with the longest effective span after the Normandy Bridge in France and the Rio-Antirrio Bridge in Greece. Furthermore, it is the maritime bridge with the second highest vertical clearance in the world after the Verrazano Bridge in New York.

Before concluding, the President of the Government referred to the symbolic value of bridges because "they link regions, connect people, stimulate exchange, open up the world and, in short, bring us all closer together while allowing us to strive for new horizons".

The official inauguration of the Constitución de 1812 Bridge (popularly known as 'La Pepa') was also attended by the Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, and the President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Susana Díaz, who spoke prior the President of the Government of Spain.