Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The suspension bridge of Bono, built in 1840, crosses the rivers of Bono and Auray. Its construction was decided in 1835 by the municipal council of Auray, with mixed funding: Royal grant of 10,000 francs and toll granted. The engineer Laurent, des Ponts et Chaussées, drew up the plans, while the company Le Pontois carried out the works for a 98-year concession.

Inaugurated on October 1, 1840, the bridge quickly suffered damage (1859, 1863) and was partially closed after a storm in 1865. A major modernization in 1870 by the Forget workshops strengthened its structure: double-lined carrier cables, steel deck and the addition of counter-cables. These improvements allowed its reopening after 18 months of work.

In the 20th century, repairs were carried out in 1925 by Arnodin establishments, including the replacement of cables and railings. Closed in the 1990s for security, it was completely dismantled and restored between 2005 and 2006 for a cost of 720,000 euros. Today, reserved for pedestrians, he is next to the Joseph-Le-Brix Bridge, dedicated to car traffic.

Its history reflects the evolution of bridge construction techniques suspended in the 19th century, marked by successive adaptations to meet security and sustainability needs. The initial toll rate, detailed in the Royal Order of 1837, illustrates its economic use (5 cents for a pedestrian, 30 for a cart).

Ranked a historic monument in 1997, the bridge bears witness to the industrial heritage of Brittany and 19th century engineering. Its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers made it a major axis for local exchanges, before its functional replacement by a modern structure.

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