Rochefort-Martrou Transporter Bridge
Rochefort-Martrou Transporter Bridge is a transporter bridge built between 1898 and 1900 . It is located in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Crossing the Charente River, it has a maximum height of 66.5 metres (218 ft) and a total length of 175.5 metres (576 ft). It is a technical invention accomplished by a French engineer : Ferdinand Arnodin. It was abandoned in 1967 in favour of a vertical lift bridge, which was in turn demolished in 1991 a few months after the opening of a new dual-carriageway road bridge, the Martrou viaduct. However, the transporter bridge was refurbished by 1994 and is now a historical monument (1976).[1] Crossing on foot or a bicycle is still possible today from April to the end of October.
Rochefort-Martrou Transporter Bridge | |
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Rochefort-Martrou Transporter Bridge seen from the south bank of the Charente river | |
Coordinates | 45°54′58″N 0°57′38″W |
Crosses | Charente |
Locale | Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France |
Official name | Rochefort-Martrou Transporter Bridge |
Characteristics | |
Total length | 175 metres (574 ft) |
Longest span | 139.95 metres (459.2 ft) |
Clearance below | 50 metres (160 ft) |
History | |
Opened | 8 July 1900 |
References
- Mérimée PA00104870, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French) Pont transbordeur du Martrou