Pont du Maréchal-Joffre, Steel bridge in Orléans, France
Pont du Maréchal-Joffre is a steel bridge spanning 334 meters across the Loire River, built with four steel beams supporting a concrete deck. The structure provides three traffic lanes and separate pedestrian paths on both sides.
The current bridge was built in 1958, replacing the original Pont Neuf that French forces destroyed in 1940. Its construction after World War Two marked the restoration of river crossings in Orléans.
The bridge honors Marshal Joseph Joffre, a French military leader who commanded troops during World War One. His name reflects the connection between this crossing and France's military past.
The bridge provides a central crossing point between the Pont George-V and Pont de l'Europe, connecting both sides of Orléans efficiently. Pedestrians benefit from wide paths and clear sightlines that help with orientation across the river and into the city.
The bridge employs high-strength riveted steel beams that were carefully spaced to distribute weight across the long span. This engineering choice allowed builders to achieve a relatively slim profile despite the span distance, making it less imposing than other river crossings nearby.
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