Pont Gustave-Flaubert, Vertical-lift bridge in Rouen, France.
The Pont Gustave-Flaubert is a vertical-lift bridge in Rouen that spans 670 meters across the Seine River, resting on four massive concrete towers. These pylons rise 86 meters above the water surface and support the twin moveable roadways.
Work on this structure began in June 2004 and lasted just over four years until opening in September 2008. The construction was built to enable access for large ships to the Port of Rouen upstream.
The city honored the famous novelist born here by naming this crossing after him. Citizens of Rouen voted for the name in a public poll and chose Gustave Flaubert as the namesake.
The twin roadways can rise together to 55 meters (180 feet) above the water to allow tall ships to pass beneath. This movement occurs roughly thirty times a year, mainly for cruise ships and large cargo vessels.
Around 50,000 vehicles cross this structure daily, using the two lanes in each direction. The concrete construction is among the few modern lift bridges in Europe that can move two complete roadway decks simultaneously.
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