Fades viaduct explained

Bridge Name:Fades Viaduct
Native Name:Viaduc des Fades
Native Name Lang:fr
Carries:Railway
Crosses:Sioule
Locale:Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne region,
Designer:Virard Felix
Design:Truss viaduct
Material:quarried granite and steel

The Fades Viaduct (French: Viaduc des Fades) is a railway viaduct in the Puy-de-Dôme department, central France. At the time of its inauguration on 10 October 1909, it was the tallest bridge in the world, across all categories. As of 2010 it still is the tenth tallest railway viaduct in the world.

Overview

The Fades Viaduct is located close to Les Ancizes-Comps, in the Auvergne region, between the communes of Sauret-Besserve and Les Ancizes-Comps. It spans across the river Sioule. Its construction began on 28 October 1901. From 14 to 16 September 1909 it passed the performance tests, The Fades Viaduct has monumental piers of quarried granite. Towering over 92m (302feet) in height they remain the tallest bridge piers ever built in traditional masonry. They each have a base larger than a tennis court.

See also

External links

45.9714°N 2.8031°W