Pont de Recouvrance, Vertical-lift bridge in Brest, France
The Pont de Recouvrance is a reinforced concrete bridge spanning the Penfeld River and connecting two districts of Brest. Four massive towers support the central section, which lifts vertically to allow ships to pass underneath.
After the previous bridge was destroyed in World War II, this new bridge opened in 1954 and became a symbol of the city's rebuilding. It represented a technical innovation for its era and showed Brest's determination to renew its infrastructure.
The bridge links two different neighborhoods and creates a vital connection between the bustling commercial area and the quieter port district. It shapes how residents move between these two worlds each day.
You can cross the bridge on foot or by tram and watch the water below, which is especially interesting when the lift mechanism operates. Daytime visits work best when you can clearly see the structure and any boats passing underneath.
Since 2012, this is the only tram bridge worldwide using this type of construction. The streetcar travels directly across and lifts with the bridge when ships need to pass through.
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