Image of the Day : Millau Viaduct

Designed by the French engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world with one mast’s summit at 343.0 metre above the ground. It is the 12th highest bridge deck in the world, being 270 metres between the road deck and the ground below. It is basically a cable-stayed bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France.

The P2 pier of the Viaduct is the tallest structure in France, taller than the Eiffel tower.

Pléiades Satellite Image of  Millau Viaduct, France 
Millau viaduct’s road deck stands 270 metres high and spans 2,470 metres, making it the world’s highest and longest cable-stayed bridge. This image was acquired by Pleiades satellite sensor while flying at 694 km high in space.
© CNES, Distribution Astrium Services/SPOT Image

This viaduct is an outcome of an amazing human effort. From its design to its construction, Several thousands of men and women have pooled there hard work to make this project a unique success. At the peak of its construction nearly 600 people were working on the site. It took three years for them to complete  the viaduct. But the results were worth it, as following pictures from Millau Viaduct’s official website show:

Millau Viaduct consists of 7 piers. Highest of them is 242m from the ground.

 

Millau Viaduct has 6 spans as wide as 342m.
 

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