France celebrates near-completion of tallest bridge

Victor

Anyone got any information of this?

http://www.breakingnews.ie/2004/05/29/story149946.html

France celebrates near-completion of tallest bridge
29/05/2004 - 15:26:08

French construction workers have nearly completed work on the roadway of the world’s tallest traffic bridge, a viaduct that soars over a valley in southern France.

French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin celebrated the project’s advancement Friday by taking a helicopter tour over the work site in the town of Millau.

Though the roadway is mostly finished, workers still have major tasks to complete before the bridge goes into service in December, like installing its towering pylons and suspension cables.

At the highest point, the roadway is about 890 feet from the valley below, with pylons reaching even higher into the air.

The 1.5 mile viaduct will ease traffic in a region known for bottlenecks, especially during summer holidays. The bridge was designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, whose projects have included the restoration of the Reichstag in Berlin.

Victor

Better story with pics http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3237329.stm

dudara

that is pretty damn cool. It looks great

I travelled by bus once from Bilbao to San Sebastien. The road went through some mountains and we travelled on bridges over gorges and alongside steep drops. Pretty hairy stuff, even though perfectly safe.

murt

looks like the French are trying to emulate the Romans:
http://www.library.eku.edu/mylibrary/pontduguard.htm

it might be higher but will it stand as long?