The bridge was commissioned on October 18, 1975, after three years of construction. Including its 404 m central span, the 720 m metal structure held, at its construction, the world record length for a cable-stayed metallic bridge. In 1992, the Loire-Atlantique general council took over the Saint-Nazaire SAEM, the contractor for the creation and operation of the bridge. Access to the bridge became toll-free on October 1, 1994. The building was returned to the department's general council road heritage organization, which has been responsible for its management and maintenance since August 1, 1995. It has improved trading between the north and the south shores of the estuary considerably. In 1975, the bridge was the longest one ever built in France. Moreover, it held the world record for the longest cable-stayed bridge for eight years.
Construction and specifications
The bridge consists of two access viaducts made out of prestressed concrete: the northern viaduct is 1 115 m long, and the southern one is 1521 m long. The main structure is composed of a 720 m long cable-stayed metallic frame. It is crossed by the department road RD 2132. The construction of the bridge was entrusted to a consortium of companies:
Metallic construction: Compagnie Française d’Entreprises Métalliques ;
The speed limit is 70 km/h. Certain or even all vehicles may restricted during strong winds. The general council has implemented a lane management system for the bridge. The reversible lanes allow, during the day or special events, for a second lane to be dedicated to the busier way. The system has folding barriers, with illuminated red studs that are embedded in the asphalt, and road sign frames that allow for illuminated road signs to indicate the way that is assigned to each of the three lanes. Unique in France, the system went live on August 25, 2010 and is regarded as "experimental". In fact, it is a requirement from the state since the traffic code mandates white markings on the ground. The Loire-Atlantique general council has, therefore, received a one-year permit that has renewed every year since then. However, the illuminated beacons have become too fragile because of the LEDs. Also, the increased traffic during the summer causes numerous traffic jams despite the system. To offer an alternative way of crossing the river for pedestrians and cyclists during the summer, in June 2010 the general council considered a river shuttle service between Saint-Nazaire and Mindin. Because of its prohibitive cost, the idea was abandoned in December 2011. The only regular coach lines using the bridge and providing intercity connections between Saint-Nazaire and the Pays de Retz region are those of the Lila network. Route 17 vehicles are fitted with eight bicycle-only spaces.
