Léopold-Sédar-Senghor bridge, Steel bridge over Loire River in Nantes, France
The Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Bridge is a steel structure spanning approximately 300 meters, crossing the Loire arm between Saint-Sébastien and Île de Nantes. It is supported by five piers and features a deck about 17 meters wide, combining vehicle lanes in the center with separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists on each side.
The bridge resulted from a design competition launched in 2005 and opened in September 2010 after several years of construction. It connects the newly developing Île de Nantes with the city center and became part of the broader urban renewal project transforming this island district.
The bridge honors a Senegalese poet and former president, marking Nantes' historical ties to Africa and its role in global cultural exchange. This naming choice reflects how the city connects its waterfront to broader human stories and connections across continents.
Visitors can cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, with paths clearly separated from traffic. Access is level and straightforward from both the Saint-Sébastien side and Île de Nantes, with no steps or obstacles to navigate.
The bridge features two distinct levels of walkways and includes linear gardens planted with grasses and flowering plants native to the Loire region. These planted areas give the modern steel structure a green character that visitors notice as they cross.
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