Viaduc du Lignon

The Viaduc du Lignon is a road bridge made of steel and concrete that spans 640 meters across the Lignon Valley and rises 110 meters above the river. Its mixed construction method allows for a stable link between both banks with a consistent structural design throughout.

The bridge was built between 1991 and 1993 and officially opened on February 25, 1994, by Prime Minister Édouard Balladur. It was created to establish a permanent link across the valley, replacing earlier crossing methods.

The bridge connects two communities and allows daily exchanges between residents of Monistrol-sur-Loire and Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon. It has become part of local life, routinely used by inhabitants to link their neighborhoods together.

The bridge is part of National Road 88 and provides vehicles with a safe crossing over the valley. Safety features include concrete guardrails and a 2.5-meter barrier designed to prevent accidents and protect drivers.

Engineers chose a mixed steel and concrete design instead of a prestressed concrete structure because it was more economical and better suited to local wind patterns. This technical decision significantly influenced how the bridge looks and performs over time.

Location: Monistrol-sur-Loire

Location: Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon

Length: 640 m

GPS coordinates: 45.25734,4.14681

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41