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Brest

The longest drawbridge in Europe.

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A little history and a few technical details:

Up to the second half of the 18th century, the Penfeld was crossed by a small ferry, which had difficult access and sometimes didn't run in the winter. The idea of a bridge was only brought onto the agenda in 1836, under the pressure of the inhabitants of Recouvrance. The Cadiat and Oudry turning metal bridge was chosen. In 1835, the vice-admiral and Maritime Prefect, Gueydon, built a floating bridge at the arsenal. The current structure still bears his name.

The Recouvrance bridge was built in 1954 replacing the National Bridge, destroyed during the siege of Brest in 1944. Several projects were presented for this new structure: bascule bridge, sliding bridge in the tunnels on each bank, and swing bridge. Finally it was the lift bridge that we all know that was chosen.  The metal span, machined at the Brest Arsenal, is balanced with counterweights and powered by lifting cables located inside the towers.  This movable span weighing 525 tons can be manoeuvred in two and a half minutes by electric winches located in the lower crosspieces of the towers.

The distinctive feature of this structure lies in the possibility of lowering the movable span onto barges to spare it during war time, and prevent it from being destroyed.

In brief:

Construction date: 1954

Materials: access span and reinforce concrete piers, main lifting span made of steel

Span: 87.50 m

Draught (clearance above the average sea level): 22.50 m in its road position and 48.50 m when lifted.

Builders: Sainrapt and Brice / Fives Lille / Brest Arsenal

What to see:

There is an excellent view of the historical centre of the city from Recouvrance bridge. Looking towards the Harbour, you will see the Castle and citadel, head office of the Maritime Prefecture and home to the Marine Museum. On the right bank, the Recouvrance district with the valuable historical site of Tour Tanguy to the fore. Further up, the Arsenal covers the two banks of the river as far as the Harteloire bridge.