Pont d'Arcole, Steel arch bridge in 4th arrondissement, France.
The Pont d'Arcole is an iron arch bridge spanning the Seine River, connecting Ile de la Cité to Hotel de Ville, roughly 80 meters in length. Its low arch system crosses the river in a single sweep, carrying both vehicles and pedestrians.
Constructed in 1856 by architects Alphonse Oudry and Charles Alfred Oppermann, it replaced an earlier pedestrian crossing built in 1828. The new bridge brought a crucial improvement to traffic flow between the riverbanks.
The bridge takes its name from a young republican who died during the 1830 Revolution or from Napoleon's victory at Arcole. Parisians often connect this name to the political struggles of the 1800s that shaped their city.
Access is straightforward from both sides, and the bridge is open to cars and pedestrians. It can get crowded during rush hours, so crossing it in early morning or evening is more pleasant.
This structure pioneered a new engineering technique as the first Paris bridge built without supports in the river itself. Its low arch design allowed it to cross the Seine without disrupting water flow.
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