For much longer? It is not certain. Mayor (PS) Eric Authiat bangs his fist on the table: the bridge is in poor condition. “Blocks of stone and iron elements through which we see the day are falling,” he says, worried about the people who pass overhead.
Three scenarios
The diagnosis carried out by a design office estimated the amount of emergency work at 168,000 euros, then a basic site at 12.3 million euros and finally that of conditional work at 6.6 million euros. euros (the aim is to consolidate the piles which sink up to 30 meters into the basement). A total bill of 19 million euros.
Only emergency work can be carried out today. This project, which will begin on 1er avril will focus on “purge unstable stones and put irons”, continues Eric Authiat.
Stone blocks and iron elements through which one sees the day fall
Unlike its downstream neighbour, the Rochefort transporter bridge, which belongs to the State and whose recent restoration work (23 million euros) was entirely paid for by the Ministry of Culture, the suspension bridge belongs to the municipality.
Access to the suspended spans is from the left bank via an abutment with 51 arches.
XAVIER LEOTY
Who obviously does not have the means to finance everything. However, during the repair of a historic monument in the municipal fold, the Drac (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs) intervenes up to 50%. “They made me understand that it was complicated for them,” grumbles Eric Authiat. The Drac only offered 15%. In desperation, the mayor set a deadline for reaching a financial package: “the month of June”. Otherwise access to the bridge could simply be closed.
In the meantime, his assistant in charge of heritage, Rémi Justinien, also regional councilor (PS), intervened with Alain Rousset. The president of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region has asked the regional prefect. With first positive feedback. By regulation, the State cannot provide 15% but 30%. “The idea is to include the work in the State-Region plan contract currently being written,” explains Rémi Justinien. From 40% of state funds, he considers the rehabilitation feasible, thanks to the contributions expected from other local authorities.
Recently, a piece of wood one meter long and 35 cm wide fell 20 meters.
background
Built in 1842 and classified as a historical monument since 1988, one of the oldest suspension bridges in Europe underwent deck renovations in 1884, 1934 and more recently works completed in 2009.