Franco-Brazilian Binational Bridge, International bridge between Saint-Georges, French Guiana and Oiapoque, Brazil
The Franco-Brazilian Binational Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Oyapock River between Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock and Oiapoque. Its two light-grey concrete pylons rise 83 metres and carry fanned dark cables to a 378-metre deck with two vehicle lanes and a 2.50-metre pedestrian sidewalk. The clearance beneath the deck is 15 metres.
The bridge was decided on in 1997 by presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Jacques Chirac, and designed by Italian engineer Mario de Miranda. Construction ended in August 2011, but Brazilian checkpoint and road works kept it closed; a model was unveiled by Nicolas Sarkozy and Lula da Silva in 2008. It was inaugurated on 18 March 2017 and opened to traffic on 20 March 2017.
This bridge marks the first permanent land crossing between Brazil and France, replacing the ferry system that once connected the two river banks. It has transformed how people in both towns interact and conduct daily business across the border.
Both pedestrians and drivers can cross the border during daylight hours, and travelers should expect standard document checks. The separated pathways for walkers and vehicles make the crossing safe and straightforward.
The structure was designed with about 15 meters of vertical clearance underneath to allow river vessels to continue using their traditional navigation routes. This thoughtful design preserved river traffic that had existed long before the bridge was built.
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