Viaduc de la Grande Chaloupe, Concrete viaduct in Saint-Denis and La Possession, Réunion Island, France.
The Grande Chaloupe viaduct is a concrete bridge that spans over 5 kilometers across the sea between Saint-Denis and La Possession. It stands on approximately 48 massive support pillars anchored directly in the ocean.
The viaduct was built starting in 2014 as part of the New Coastal Road project to create traffic routes safe from rockfalls and ocean storms. The project aimed to better connect island regions with each other.
The structure represents a major advancement in French maritime engineering, demonstrating the technical capabilities of Reunion Island's infrastructure development.
The crossing takes place on a modern road that is well built and intended for regular traffic. Visitors can drive or take a bus across it and feel the expanse of the ocean all around them.
Nearly all building materials were prefabricated on land and then transported by special vessels to the construction site. This production method allowed for faster and safer construction over open ocean.
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