The Simone Veil Bridge, a breath of fresh air in the heart of Bordeaux

A multimodal bridge in the heart of Bordeaux

The Simone Veil Bridge represents a major challenge for the Bordeaux metropolitan area. This exceptional new modular public space, designed as a multimodal link between Bordeaux and the towns of Bègles and Floirac, is intended to improve the flow of traffic between these changing areas and relieve traffic congestion on the other bridges.

Following on from the quays of Bordeaux, the new infrastructure, exceptional in its width, its atypical layout with 20 m wide pavements and monumental benches, cycle lanes, tramway lanes and road lanes, is intended to be more than just a crossing: extra wide, it is intended to be a veritable esplanade and living space linking the tree-lined public spaces on either side of the structure.

By making the overall platform as smooth as possible, it must also meet the Metropole's demand for an upgradeable bridge, with spaces that can be easily redistributed on demand to host events (concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, etc.).

The Promenade des Bordelais: more nature, fewer cars

The innovative nature of this project is demonstrated in particular by the creation of a substantial public space, an urban platform that extends over the Garonne. This space is more than 20 m wider for pedestrians and cyclists, making it easier to stroll through the city.

On the left bank, the former expressway is being transformed into a welcoming landscaped gateway to the city, with 567 trees planted and the modal shift of traffic onto the new permanent roads.

As for the right bank, it will see the creation of a luxuriant green esplanade with the planting of 597 trees. A further 5,300 shrubs and 200,000 plants will enrich the whole project.

The widest bridge in Europe

Egis, as subcontractor to the architectural firm OMA, took part in the complete project management of this ambitious project.

For almost ten years, our teams of around twenty people have been involved in a variety of project management, project management, geotechnical studies, structural studies, environmental studies, hydraulic studies and works supervision. Their expertise was particularly crucial in the construction of the deep foundations and piers in the Garonne, as well as in coordinating the studies and supervising the execution of the works. Their role made it possible to meet the demand for a bridge that could evolve, with the possibility of redistributing spaces to adapt to future needs.

Building the piers in the dry

This stage was the most technical and impressive part of the project. Following the construction of a temporary jetty to access the various pier sites in the river, the Egis team was also responsible for managing the construction of the large-diameter deep foundations (2.50 metres) and the piers on the Garonne.

To build the piers in the dry, temporary watertight metal caissons were immersed in the river and fixed to the piles.

Operations to assemble the steel structure on land and launch it over the river began at the end of 2021, followed by the completion of the steel structure in place, the pouring of the concrete slab, and the installation of the bridge's equipment and superstructure.

With a deck 550 metres long and 44 metres wide, supported by a mixed structure with 9 spans, the bridge stands out as a feat of engineering, designed to facilitate different modes of transport and to serve as a venue for a variety of public events.

The Simone Veil Bridge, a breath of fresh air in the heart of Bordeaux.

The Client

The Architects

Expected benefits

Timetable

Key figures.

The Challenge.

A multimodal bridge in the heart of Bordeaux

Imagine.

The Promenade des Bordelais: more nature, fewer cars

Create.

The widest bridge in Europe

Building the piers in the dry

Achieve.

More than a link, a place to live and meet

The project in video.

Related sectors.

Related projects.

Subscribe