Millau Viaduct is a French work of art
Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world. It’s located in southern France and crosses the River Tarn in the Massif Central mountains. It stands as an iconic example of modern bridge engineering and has become a symbol of France. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Where is the Millau Viaduct?
The bridge is located in the northeast of the Midi-Pyrenees area of the Occitanie region, in the southern part of the country.
When was the Millau Viaduct built?
The cable-stayed bridge was designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster. Construction began in October 2001, and the bridge was officially opened on December 14, 2004. It is recognized as one of the greatest achievements in civil engineering. The viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge, with slender masts and a minimal number of cables. The design emphasizes transparency and lightness, creating an aesthetically pleasing structure that complements the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Can you drive on the Millau Viaduct?
It is part of the A75-A71 autoroute from Paris to Béziers and Montpellier. It’s a toll road totally paved and was built to alleviate holiday traffic between France and Spain. Stretching higher than the Eiffel Tower, as well as being an engineering masterpiece, it also looks like a work of art - typical of the French. It’s 2,460 m (8,070 ft) long and has a total span of four lanes.
Is the Millau Viaduct worth a visit?
The Millau Viaduct has become a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors not only for its engineering marvel but also for the breathtaking views it offers of the Tarn River Valley and the surrounding landscapes. It has received numerous awards for its design and engineering excellence, including the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).
Is Millau Viaduct dangerous?
This is not a route for cars towing heavy caravans, as there are several long and steep climbs and descents. It can get quickly blocked in winter, in the event of sudden heavy snowfalls which are not uncommon on the high ground. Driving with high winds is particularly demanding for large vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers. Their large surface, especially when the wind hits laterally, increases the risk of overturning. If traffic is not banned altogether, there’s only one solution to avoid the accident: slow down and increase the safety distances. Light vehicles will need to exercise extreme vigilance when overtaking, especially heavyweight causing air calls and two wheels that can easily swerve. Again, slow is the best way to protect yourself.
Is the Millau Viaduct the tallest bridge in the world?
It holds the world record for the tallest bridge, with its mast summit at 343.0 meters (1,125 ft) above the base of the structure (19 meters-62 ft taller than the Eiffel Tower). Looking down on clouds is to be expected from an airplane, but it’s a bit more unsettling in a car. Its elegant white silhouette can be seen for miles around.
What was the cost of the Millau Viaduct?
The cost of the bridge, officially called Le Viaduc de Millau, was approximately 400 million euros.
Image credit: Depositphotos