Driving over the Millau Viaduct in France

The Millau Viaduct spans just a hair over 1.5 miles (2.5K). It was built to allow vehicles a quicker way across the Tarn valley which was notorious for heavy traffic congestion. The design was as minimal as possible so as to disturb the farms etc in the region. Some of the posts were dug out while explosive devices were used to "dig out" others. Everything depended upon what soil, etc consisted of in the spot. The bridge has a slight turn to it and the upper cables prevent sway. The rails on the sides serve as wind breaks.

The most interesting part of the construction is that Eiffage won the contest to build the bridge and paid for all the construction costs, as well as all upkeep. There are toll bridges at the end of the bridge and Eiffage was given 80 years to recoup construction costs. The bridge itself was built in three years. Other videos exist on how this bridge was built. This video is merely of my group driving across this spectacular bridge. Enjoy!