Pont de Caronte, Railway and swing bridge in Martigues, France.
The Pont de Caronte is a nearly 1 km long railway and swing bridge that spans the Caronte bay and crosses the harbor. The structure has eight main spans and two central rotating sections that allow large vessels to pass through.
The bridge was built between 1908 and 1915 and was destroyed by German forces in 1944. Reconstruction took place from 1952 to 1954, restoring a vital connection to the region.
The bridge appeared in French films and holds a place in the region's cinema history. It plays a role in the visual identity of the area and is noticed by both locals and visitors.
The bridge is freely accessible from both sides and offers good views of the bay and harbor. It is best visited on clear days to fully appreciate the structure and surrounding water landscape.
The structure combines two completely different types of transportation in one system: train traffic and maritime navigation work side by side. The two central rotating sections can turn to make space for ships while trains pause or are held.
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