Pont Boutiron, Historic reinforced concrete bridge between Creuzier-le-Vieux and Vichy, France.
Pont Boutiron is a reinforced concrete bridge that spans the Allier River with three arches of different sizes supporting its crossing between two towns. The structure combines a central arch with two outer arches, creating a distinctive profile above the water.
Engineer Eugène Freyssinet designed and built this bridge in 1913 using reinforced concrete, a relatively modern material at that time. The project replaced an earlier structure that had been destroyed by river flooding decades before.
The bridge marks an important moment in how engineers learned to build with concrete, introducing a new joint system that other builders would later copy. Visitors can see this innovation reflected in the way its three arches meet the supports.
The bridge allows only vehicles weighing under 3.5 tons to cross, a restriction put in place to protect the structure. Visitors traveling by car should check whether their vehicle meets this weight requirement before attempting to use it.
While construction was underway in 1913, an unexpected river flood threatened the bridge while its concrete was still curing. The engineer had to develop quick solutions to keep the unfinished structure from being damaged.
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