Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Rochemaure Bridge, built in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, is a suspension bridge located on the Rhône, in the commune of Rochemaure (Ardèche). It replaces a first suspended bridge destroyed by a flood in 1856. The new work, designed by engineer Marc Seguin in 1858, uses an innovative system of parallel wire wire cables. Inaugurated in 1859, it was initially operated under private concession before being bought by the commune in 1884 for 500 Francs-or, ending the toll.

In the 20th century, the bridge suffered several destructions and reconstructions. In 1940, his apron was destroyed by the retired French army during World War II. Reconstructed in 1942, it was damaged again in 1944 by allied bombardments. After provisional repairs, it was permanently rebuilt in 1946, but its capacity was limited to 3.5 tons. Despite consolidation work, its condition deteriorated, leading to its closure in 1973.

Ranked a historic monument in 1985, the bridge was abandoned for nearly thirty years. It was finally renovated as part of the ViaRhôna project and reopened to non-motorized vehicles in 2013. Its history reflects the technical challenges and mobility challenges associated with suspended bridges, as well as the impact of global conflicts on local infrastructure.

The Rochemaure Bridge also illustrates the evolution of construction techniques in the 19th century, with the contribution of Marc Seguin, pioneer of suspended bridges with metal cables. His inscription in the title of historical monuments underlines his heritage importance, despite the vicissitudes of his history. Today, it is a tangible testimony to the engineering of the 19th century and a link to the ViaRhôna, a cycle route linking the Geneva to the Mediterranean.

The archives also mention anecdotes, such as the fall of a statue of the Virgin on a German soldier in 1944, or the fires of 1982 that accelerated its degradation. These elements add a human and memorial dimension to this monument, which survived more than a century and a half of turbulent history.

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