Pont de Cheviré, Road viaduct in Nantes, France.
Pont de Cheviré is a road bridge in Nantes that extends 1,563 meters and consists of a central steel arch spanning 242 meters and two prestressed concrete approach viaducts. The entire structure rises 52 meters above the Loire River and connects both banks with six wide traffic lanes.
Work began in 1986 during the term of Mayor Michel Chauty to create a new crossing of the Loire. Traffic started rolling over the bridge on April 27, 1991, establishing an important link between the northern and southern parts of the city.
The name comes from a small island called Île de Cheviré that once sat in the river and now lies beneath the structure. Ships with tall masts can pass under the central arch while aircraft from the nearby airport fly over the roadway.
Drivers can use the bridge around the clock, with the speed limit set at 70 kilometers per hour (about 43 miles per hour). The roadway is wide enough for trucks and buses across all six lanes, while pedestrians and cyclists must choose other routes through the city.
Maintenance teams work regularly inside 1,500 meters of technical galleries beneath the roadway to remove debris. These hidden spaces must be protected from pigeon droppings that could damage the metal framework.
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