A Bridge Too Far?

[Metal Head]

Would you be afraid to drive across this bridge?

The Millau viaduct is part of the new E11 express way connecting Paris and Barcelona and features the highest bridge piers ever constructed. The tallest is 240 meters (787 feet) high and the overall height will be an impressive 336 meters (1102 feet), making this the highest bridge in the world.

[snowyskiesau]

At motorway speeds (i.e. flat strap), you wouldn't have time to notice the drop :)

Here's a bridge that's scary to cross: Kirwans Bridge near Nagambie. 300+ meters, single lane with a dog leg in the middle.
http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/images/nagambie/photos/33.jpg

[fred.n]

Bring on the BASE jumpers :)

[joe greiner]

Interesting feature of the Millau viaduct is how it was built: Add pieces at the abutments, and push the assemblages into the valley until they meet at mid-bridge.

See http://www.enerpac.com/Main_Navigation/Ideas_in_action/home_Millau.html

For more by this company, the home page is http://www.enerpac.com/

So-called "bridge launching" has been quite common in Europe, when conditions and the bridge design are appropriate, and becoming popular elsewhere.

BTW, I have no commercial interest in this company, but I've used their products.

I drove across a similar high bridge in SW Germany without realizing it, even though I was searching for the bridge. Exited the motorway to ask polizei for directions (thought it was elsewhere with a similar name), and drove surface roads to see it from below. Only about 185m (600ft) high, but still awesome.

Joe

[ptc]

I would take the long way round