Pont de pierre (Bordeaux)

Pont de pierre called the oldest " Stone Bridge " over the Garonne in Bordeaux. The design of the bridge was carried out from 1810, so still under the reign of Napoleon. The account of the strong currents very difficult construction took place in 1819 and 1821. Senior engineers were Claude Deschamps and his son Jean -Baptiste Billaudel.

History

By the 18th century there were plans to build such a bridge. 1808 Napoleon wanted here can build a wooden bridge to move his army quickly in the direction of Spain can. Local officials, however, argued from the start for a more permanent solution.

Took place on 26 June 1810 an imperial decree of the command to build the wooden structure. However, in 1811, the bridge and road engineer Claude Deschamps to Bordeaux and proposed a modified, more stable bridge structure before. This project was realized from 1812. The difficulties, however, were enormous. A flood of the Garonne from 22 to December 26, 1813 caused severe damage to the foundations. 1814 was the fall of Napoleon, the cessation of work for financial reasons result.

The initiative for the further construction came from a group of wealthy citizens of Bordeaux. The wealthy entrepreneur Balguerie - Stuttenberg founded in 1816 an association of shipowners and merchants, who offered to raise 2 million Francs for bridge, but with the demand to be allowed to collect tolls for 99 years. The government accepted this offer in 1818, but continued to complete a period of three years. On April 18, 1818, the Compagnie du pont de Bordeaux constituted under Balguerie - Stuttenberg, from 1819 to 1821 took place the building. After the British model arrived at the underwater work a diving bell used.

Around 1860 and 1952 to 1954, the bridge was widened. In 1863 the bridge toll was abolished. The 17 arches shall conform to the 17 letters of the name Napoléon Bonaparte. Until the establishment of the Pont Saint -Jean in 1965, the Pont de Pierre was the only road bridge over the Garonne in Bordeaux. The Passerelle Eiffel, a railway bridge that dates back to the 1850s.