description Garabit Viaduct Overview
The Garabit Viaduct is a significant iron railway bridge located in southern France. Constructed between 1882 and 1884 by Gustave Eiffel, it showcases innovative use of wrought-iron arch design. The viaduct’s impressive scale and engineering represent an important moment in railway construction history. It remains a notable example of late 19th-century structural achievement and is of interest to civil engineers, historians, and those studying French industrial development.
insights Ranking position
Garabit Viaduct ranks #28 of 164 in the Bridge ranking, behind Ponte Sant'Angelo, ahead of Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
help Garabit Viaduct FAQ
Who designed the Garabit Viaduct in France?
The Garabit Viaduct was designed by the renowned French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel, with significant assistance from his colleague Maurice Koechlin. Construction of the massive wrought-iron arch bridge took place between 1880 and 1884.
Is the Garabit Viaduct still used for trains today?
Yes, the viaduct remains an active part of the French railway network and is still used by passenger trains today. It carries the train line that connects the cities of Paris and Béziers across the Truyère river.
How tall is the Garabit Viaduct?
The bridge stands at a maximum height of about 122 meters above the Truyère river valley. Its massive central iron arch spans a distance of 165 meters, making it an architectural marvel of the 19th century.
Was the Garabit Viaduct featured in a movie?
Yes, a highly fictionalized version of the viaduct was prominently featured as a central plot device in the 1976 film "The Cassandra Crossing." In the movie, a doomed train violently crashes off the aging structure.
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