The mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, attended a commemorative event organised by the local government of La Barca de la Florida to mark the centenary of the Puente de Hierro. The celebration was attended by municipal government members, including Mercedes Colombo Roquette, the delegate of the Government of the Junta de Andalucía in Cádiz, and other local officials.
During the event, García-Pelayo congratulated the residents of La Barca de La Florida for reaching this milestone, describing the bridge as a significant piece of civil engineering and a symbol of unity and progress for the region. She praised the initiative of the local government to highlight the historical and cultural importance of this 20th-century structure.
The mayor emphasised the need to appreciate the heritage of rural Jerez, particularly the bridge, which serves as a vital infrastructure and a living testament to the shared history of the community. She expressed gratitude to the local government for their efforts and supported them in this important community celebration.
Under the slogan '100 years uniting our history', the event included a visit to a photographic exhibition titled 'People on the bridge', the presentation of a commemorative postage stamp in collaboration with the Jerez Philatelic Club, and a lecture on the origins, history, and significance of the Puente de Hierro by Professor Agustín García Lázaro.
The Puente de Hierro, also known as the Blue Bridge, spans the Guadalete River along the A-2003 road, connecting Jerez and San José del Valle since its completion in late 1926. It measures approximately 190 metres in length and currently accommodates over 4,000 vehicles daily, with 4.93% classified as heavy traffic.
Historically, the crossing over the Guadalete was strategic before the establishment of La Barca as a locality in 1948. The name 'La Barca' derives from the former ferry that operated at this point on the river, used by people, livestock, and goods. The Puente de Hierro has undergone several modifications throughout its history, including repairs following significant flooding in 1930 and emergency repairs in 2021 due to damage to one of its supports.
