The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed road-bridge that completes the A75 autoroute from Paris to Beziers, spanning the River Tarn and bypassing the town of Millau in the Aveyron department. 

The bridge was designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and is the tallest vehicular bridge in the world, with the tallest mast standing at 343 metres (1,125 ft).

The construction has set a number of new world records;

• Highest road deck in the world : 270 m
• Highest mast in the world : 343 m
• Highest pylons in the world : 221.05 m

To give an idea of perspective, the tallest mast is only 38 metres shorter than the Empire State Building and is slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower.  No wonder there have been people that are afraid to cross it!

The project began on 10th October 2001 and was due to be completed three years later but it was delayed by bad weather and finally opened to traffic on 16th December 2004.

The viaduct was constructed using seven concrete pylons to support eight steel roadway spans with a total distance of 2400 m (8100 ft).  During construction the pylons were put in place first with a number of temporary pylons and then the deck was slid out in sections.  With the deck in place, the masts were driven out and erected on the pylons and once they were connected to the deck, the temporary pylons were removed.

A service area was completed in 2006 with separate car parks for the northbound, southbound and non motorway traffic to prevent traffic crossover and allow drivers to take photographs in a safe area.  Previously, just after the viaduct was opened, drivers had been stopping on the hard shoulder on the bridge.  The service area has an exhibition centre to explain the construction of the viaduct.

To access the service area, leave the motorway at exit 45 and follow the signs for the Observatory.  The exhibition centre is open from 0900 to 1900.  The viewing point is about a 30 minute walk and is steep in places, but you are rewarded with good views over the valley.

The completion of the viaduct finally meant that the A75 was finished after 30 years of waiting.  Prior to its completion, the traffic had to negotiate a small bridge in Millau town and the area was renowned for its long delays and congestion.  Despite the fears of some, the town has actually prospered through the bypass, as it now has an internationally recognised tourist attraction and the economy of the area has most definitely improved thanks to the viaduct.  In addition, the town is now much quieter and pollution free.

The viaduct website gives more details and up to date toll charges.

Check out Guide2MidiPyrenees for Property in Midi-Pyrenees, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Midi-Pyrenees Attractions and Business Directory.