Did you ever wonder why this bridge bears such a prominent name? This is the Inauguration Pont Churchill Plaque. It marks more than just a bridge. It commemorates a vital piece of Lyon’s history. It also honors a towering figure: Winston Churchill.
The Pont Winston-Churchill, as it is also known, spans the Rhône. It connects parts of Lyon. The bridge we see today is not the first to stand here.
In 1862, Marshal de Castellane ordered a temporary pontoon bridge. It linked Grand-Camp and the Sathonay camp. Locals called it the Pont de la Boucle.
Later, a metal footbridge with a toll was opened. But its design was deemed deplorable. A raft crashed into it, destroying two of its nine arches. The footbridge was abandoned.
The name Pont de la Boucle stuck around. It was named after the Place de la Boucle. The place got its name from an inn. The inn was called Auberge de la Boucle. It was popular during the First Empire.
In came engineer Ernest Fabrègues. He and his director Résal designed a metal bridge. It had three steel arches. Each arch measured over 80 meters. The city opened it to traffic but the mayor did not inaugurate it. He thought its aesthetics were doubtful. Its narrow width led to traffic jams. The bridge could only support 7.5 tons. This was not enough for the traffic needs.
German forces destroyed two arches on the Right Bank during the war. Companies rebuilt them in 1947. In honor of Winston Churchill, the mayor officially named it Pont Winston-Churchill. This occurred by municipal deliberation.
In 1978, Gilbert Lamboley designed a new structure. Architects Jean Cottin and Bruno d’Yvoire assisted him. It is a prestressed concrete bridge. It has two box girders. It is 28 meters wide. It supports seven traffic lanes and two sidewalks. Its central span is 110 meters. The side spans are 75 meters.
Société Générale d’Entreprises and Grands Travaux de Marseille built it. Mayor Francisque Collomb inaugurated the Pont Winston-Churchill. The Inauguration Pont Churchill Plaque commemorates this event.
So, as you stand here at the Inauguration Pont Churchill Plaque. Remember the layers of history beneath your feet. This bridge connects more than just land. It connects Lyon’s past with its present. It also honors a leader who helped shape the world.