Pont ferroviaire de la Mulatière, Railway bridge in Confluence, Lyon, France
The Pont ferroviaire de la Mulatière is a railway bridge crossing the Rhône River in Lyon, built with metal and concrete to support multiple tracks. It continues to carry regular train traffic through the city and serves as a vital connection for the rail network.
The current structure was completed in 1914 to replace earlier wooden bridges that had connected Lyon and Saint-Étienne since 1830. This rail line became central to the region's industrial growth and urban expansion.
The structure reflects the industrial heritage of Lyon and showcases typical railroad engineering of its era. Visitors can observe from the riverside paths how this crossing connects the city's neighborhoods and rail corridors.
The bridge is visible from the riverside paths along the Rhône and can be viewed from several vantage points in the area. The best views come from the water level or nearby footpaths where you can see the structure and watch trains passing through.
During World War II, this railway bridge was among the few crossings in Lyon to survive the widespread destruction of September 1944. Its ability to withstand bombing made it a rare example of how well this engineering feat was built.
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