Pont de pierre, Stone bridge in Agen, France.
Pont de Pierre is a bridge with eleven arches that crosses the Garonne River, connecting Agen with Le Passage d'Agen. The structure was extensively modernized in 1970, with prestressed concrete supports replacing the original construction to accommodate four traffic lanes.
Construction began in 1812 under the supervision of Boucheron contractors and faced multiple interruptions from flooding and financial constraints before completion in 1827. The project reflects the challenges of establishing a reliable river crossing in this region.
The name pont de pierre simply means 'stone bridge' and reflects its original construction method. Today pedestrians and vehicles cross it daily, experiencing the role it plays in connecting Agen with the opposite bank.
The bridge is easily accessible for both pedestrians and vehicles, providing direct crossing over the Garonne. Keep in mind that daily traffic can be heavy, particularly during peak hours.
The bridge struggled with constant flooding in medieval times, requiring frequent rebuilding and repairs. These repeated challenges reveal the complexity of maintaining a secure structure at this point on the river.
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