by Stéphane Compoint of the last hydraulic launch that closed the last bit of gap remaining between the north and south sides of the bridge.
The viaduct designed by Foster and Partners with Arup, is going to be the most direct and the least expensive connection between Paris and the Mediterranean. It is the highest bridge in the world. At 343 m it is higher than the Canary Wharf tower.
Building is going on at a frantic pace, the first launch occurred in February 2003. 18 other launches, 12 from the North and 6 from the South sides of the valley and one year of construction were needed for the deck to achieve the 2,460 meters to cross the Tarn valley.
Viaduct specs:
Width of the deck:32,05 mtrs
Total volume of concrete: 85.000 m3
Weight of the metal structure: 36.000 tns
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Lots of technical information from the supplier of the hydraulic system used for lifting the temporary piers and pushing the bridge decks:
Enerpac
and some good videos here at the website of the constructor and concessionaire of the viaduct: Compagnie Eiffage du Viaduc de Millau
Man, going over that bridge must be frightening. Especially with those little euro autos. I'm glad I have no desire to drive.
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