Pont de la Coulouvrenière, Arch bridge and tram crossing in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Pont de la Coulouvrenière is an arch bridge spanning the Rhône River for 150 meters, featuring two central arches of 40 meters each and a central pier with an opening. The structure carries tram tracks, vehicle traffic, and pedestrian sidewalks that were added in 1970.
The current stone-covered concrete structure replaced an earlier metal bridge in 1896 due to insufficient capacity for tram traffic. This replacement marked an important step in modernizing Geneva's river crossings.
The bridge name comes from a nearby cannon firing range used for military practice in earlier times. This connection reflects Geneva's past as a fortified city with defensive preparations.
The bridge is easily accessible for both pedestrians and vehicles, with sidewalks on both sides that allow safe walking. The tram tracks are separated in their own lanes, making crossing clear and straightforward.
The bridge experienced a significant shift in traffic patterns, with daily vehicle crossings declining from around 63,000 in 1990 to approximately 37,500 in 2006. This change reveals how urban mobility has evolved in Geneva over recent decades.
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