Oléron Bridge, Bridge in Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, France
The Oléron Bridge stretches across the Coureau d'Oléron strait between the mainland and Oléron Island, covering a distance of 2,862 meters (around 9,390 feet). It consists of 46 continuous concrete sections arranged in a gentle curve over the water.
The crossing opened on June 21, 1966, and held the record as the longest in France until 1974. That year the Saint-Nazaire crossing overtook it in the ranking of French structures.
The bridge represents a significant connection for the Atlantic coast region, linking the mainland to Oléron, the second-largest French metropolitan island after Corsica.
Inside the hollow deck runs a water pipeline, electrical lines, telephone cables, and fiber optics linking the island to the mainland. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross on separate paths while enjoying views of the coastline.
During assembly of the prestressed beams in the 1960s, construction crews advanced at a rate of eight meters (about 26 feet) per day. This pace was considered a notable technical achievement in bridge construction at the time.
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