CGAL constructed the first bascule bridge in Mexico, Albatross. This bridge substantially improved communications, since it connects directly with the Siglo xxi Freeway, which allows land transportation moving freight, to and from the port, to avoid the city streets traffic. This special bridge, designed with four lanes, is made of reinforced concrete pilings, which provide support for a 52.49 ft-wide roadway. The structure has a pendulum mechanism that opens the central span of the bridge for a maximum period of three minutes, allowing the Balsas River shipping to pass through. The work is a product of the combination of Mexican ingenuity and German technology. The two metallic leaves forming the bascule span are pushed by two piston built by the Wohtbör company. Thus, the swing of both of the Albatross’ “wings” is supported by two axles, also built in Europe with special high capacity loadbearing steel. The bridge’s system, whose name recalls the familiar marine birds with an extended wingspan, will receive maintenance every six months and has a 25-year useful life span. The bascule system by itself –the only one in the country– contributed to Port Lázaro Cárdenas being deemed as the second most important port in the Pacific littoral. It includes the six daily operation pumps, plus four backup pumps, control switchboards, operation software and illumination system. In 2010, the Albatross Bridge received first prize, nationally and internationally, in the annual public and private works contest convened by Cemex. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]