Pont de Confolent, Suspension bridge over the Loire in Beauzac and Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon, France.
The Pont de Confolent is a suspension bridge crossing the Loire River, linking two municipalities in the Haute-Loire region. The structure features a main span of approximately 110 meters and supports light vehicle traffic across a single-lane roadway.
Engineer Adolphe Boulland designed this suspension bridge in 1863 to replace an existing ferry crossing and improve direct access between Beauzac and Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon. The original wooden deck was later replaced with modern materials to meet changing traffic demands in the twentieth century.
The bridge's towers display architectural details inspired by medieval fortifications, with decorative elements crowning the supporting structures. This design choice gives the crossing a distinctive character that stands out from typical modern bridges.
The bridge accommodates light vehicle traffic and connects the road networks on both sides of the Loire. Pedestrians and cyclists can also use the crossing, making it accessible for all types of local travelers.
The metal reinforcements added in 1978 to replace the original wooden deck reveal how bridges must adapt to meet modern traffic demands. This structural change became necessary as vehicle use on the crossing increased over time.
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