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This Marc Seguin-type suspension bridge was built in 1858. Partially destroyed in the 20th century, it was transformed into a Himalayan footbridge in 2013 to carry the ViaRhôna from the Ardèche to the Drôme.
Description
Listed as a Historic Monument, the suspension bridge was an important link between the Drôme and Ardèche rivers, connecting Rochemaure to Ancona and Montélimar. Built in 1858, it is a Marc Seguin-type suspension bridge. It replaced the first suspension bridge, built in 1842 and swept away by the flood of May 31, 1856. It remained in service from 1858 to 1968. After an eventful existence, with two deliberate destructions in 1940-1944 and two major accidents, resulting in the destruction of part of the deck in 1937-1968, it was likely that its definitive destruction would have been undertaken without the mobilization of Rochemaure's inhabitants.
In 2013, the bridge was reborn with the restoration of its piers and the construction of the Himalayan footbridge, enabling the ViaRhôna to cross the Rhône on a structure much appreciated by walkers.
Spoken languages
- French
Themes
- Engineering structure
- Bridge