Franceâs Millau Viaduct spans a valley of the River Tarn close to Millau. It is a cable-stayed bridge. With one of its poles reaching a height of 343 meters, it is the tallest bridge in the world. It was created by British architect Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel VirlogeuxIt was conceived by the French engineer Michel Virlogeux and created by the English architect Lord Norman Foster. It blends seamlessly into the glorious and naturally intact landscape. The ensemble is supported by 7 incredibly thin pillars and has a very thin, slightly curved steel roadway that gives it the appearance of a sizable yacht.
History of the Bridge
Every year, traffic that passes through Paris to Spain, near Milao, is blocked by cars that take people back on vacation and from their holidays. The first theories for problem-solving were discussed in 1987, and in 1991 it was decided to construct a bridge above a valley of the Tarne River. From 1993 to 2001, the French government conducted talks with architects and engineers, conducting studies. And he held design competitions so that he could find a suitable design and the building started. In 1996, the Sogörg Consortium proposed a cable designed by Michelle Virlough and Norman Foster that was stayed-bridge. That design was approved for the construction of the bridge. Construction began on October 16, 2001. The first piers began in January 2002 and ended in November of the following year. Viaduct launched on December 16, 2004, 25 days earlier than scheduled. Roads ceased in May 2004, and pilons and shrouds ended in the second half of the same year. In the course of the inauguration ceremony, Jacques Chirac opened the bridge.
Amazing view of Millau Bridge
This unique scenic area, created at the old cassonade brocuĂ©jouls farm, is an extraordinary place to explore Viaduct Millau, Aveyron, and its cultural and natural heritage. Spend a few minutes ascending to the belvedere viewing area so you can take in the viaductâs magnificent, all-encompassing panorama. Then, in the gastronomical area, you can sample, among other things, the renowned âcapucinsâ created by Michelin-starred chef Michel Bras, or in the Eiffage firm Expo/Boutique section, you may discover all there is to know about the viaduct and its construction.
How to get there
By using the D911 and following âaire du Viaduc,â you may reach âaire du Viaducâ from the A75âs exit 45.
Access to the D911 from Millau is free before the péage (toll) exit number 45.
Facts of Millau Bridge
Millau Bridge crosses the River Tarn.
The Millau Viaduct is the full name of the Millau Bridge. It is a cable-stayed road bridge that spans the River Tarn valley close to Millau in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France.
This bridge has won a prize.
The bridge has garnered much praise and fame since it was opened. The international association for bridge and structure engineering honored it with the outstanding structure award in 2006 for being one of the greatest engineering achievements of the contemporary period.
Though not the highest bridge, it is the tallest.
The fact that it is the tallest vehicle bridge in the world is just one of its many amazing qualities. The viaduct has a structural height of 336.4 meters due to the presence of its tallest tower, which is located close to the valley floor (1,104 ft). This tower towers 324 meters (1,063 feet) higher than the Eiffel Tower. The Millau Viaduct rises 270 meters (890 feet) above the valley floor on its deck. Despite being the tallest bridge, it is just the twenty-sixth highest bridge globally. The Duge Bridge in China is the tallest bridge in the world, with a deck height of 565 meters (1,854 ft).
There are curves on the Millau Bridge.
The 2.4 km-long Millau Viaduct extends over a 2 km-long valley in the Massif Central Mountain range. It completes the A75 highwayâs last connection between Paris and Barcelona. It has two lanes in each direction, and strangely, the bridge is not straight, which may give drivers the impression that they are floating. The architects created a 20 km long bridge with a little curvature to address this. The roadâs small 3% inclination, which enhances vision and reassures the motorist, is another safety-enhancing design element. The bridge is vulnerable to strong winds that can reach 151 km/h. Therefore, side screens were added to the bridge by the designers to lessen the impact of the wind by 50%.
205,000 tons of concrete were required for the project
Quite a few materials were employed in the building process. 127,000m3 of concrete, 19,000 tons of steel-reinforced concrete, and 5,000 tons of pre-constrained steel were used to construct the bridge. The viaduct weighs 290,000 tons in total.
Canoeing is permitted beneath the bridge.
Only nine points of the bridge actually contact the floor of the Tarn valley, and just seven extremely thin pillars support the entire construction. It resembles a big yacht and blends in beautifully with the surroundings. Though driving over the bridge is a thrill, you get the best views from the BelvĂ©dĂšre de lâaire du Viaduc de Millau or by paddling a boat underneath the bridge.7. Millions of vehicles cross the bridge every year.
Number of passing vehicles
An estimated 10,000 to 25,000 automobiles pass through the area each day. The Millau Viaduct is traveled by around five million cars annually. By 2018, 61 million cars have already traversed the bridge.
Costs of Millau Bridge
A toll plaza located 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) north of the viaduct cost an additional âŹ20 million, bringing the total cost of building the bridge to up to âŹ394 million. The constructors, Eiffage, provided the funding in exchange for the right to levy tolls for 75 years or until 2080. However, the French government could take over the management of the bridge as early as 2044 if the concession generates large earnings.
One hundred twenty-seven thousand cubic meters (166,000 cu yd) of concrete, 19,000 tons (21,000 short tons) of steel for the reinforced concrete, and The project required 5000 tons (5500 short tons) of prestressed steel for the cables and shrouds, which were all needed for the project. According to the builder, the bridgeâs lifespan will be at least 120 years.
The Introduction & Information about Millau Bridge
In 2004, a spark from a welder caused a fire to start on the Causse Rougeâs slope. The fire burned several trees.
Due to tourists slowing down to take pictures, the bridgeâs posted speed limit was lowered from 130 km/h (81 mph) to 110 km/h (68 mph). Cars were stopped on the hard shoulder so drivers could take in the scenery and the bridge as soon as it was open to traffic.
The Chinese transport minister paid a visit on the first anniversary of the bridgeâs opening. The great technical skill required to build the bridge and the viaductâs legal and financial structure, astounded the panel. The minister claimed that he had no plans to create an equivalent in the Peopleâs Republic of China.
The cabinet of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger inquired about the popularity of the viaductâs construction from Millauâs town hall when they were considering building a bridge across San Francisco Bay.
The 2007 movie Mr. Beanâs Holiday included a scene that used this bridge.
The bridge was highlighted by the hosts of the British auto show Top Gear during Series 7, who traveled across France in a Ford GT, Pagani Zonda, and Ferrari F430 Spyder to view the just-finished bridge.
In Series 2 of Richard Hammondâs Engineering Connections, one of the hosts as mentioned above of Top Gear examined the engineering issues of the construction of the Millau Viaduct.
The Worldâs Greatest Bridges, Series 2, included the bridge.
During season seven, the British car show âTop Gearâ hosts traveled to France with a Ford GT, a Pagani Zonda, and a Ferrari F430 Spyder. Millau Viaduct was highlighted.
In December 2004, 19000 runners and walkers were allowed to cross the Millau Viaduct for the first time; however, they were only allowed to do so up until pylon P1.
Hotels near of Millau Bridge
Mercury Millau, Maeva Camping Scapades Millau Plag, Dauman Saint Esteve, Shroud hotels, and Capel Millau hotels are a few of the cityâs most significant lodgings.
