Isn’t it remarkable how a simple footbridge can hold so much history? This is the Passerelle de l’Homme de la Roche. It crosses the Saône in Lyon.
Let’s delve into its story. A bridge was first built here in 1911 and 1912. It connected Quai Saint-Vincent and Place de l’Homme de la Roche. The bridge was 97 meters long. It had a 5-meter roadway and two 1.25-meter sidewalks. It featured a three-arch cantilever design. Ernest Fabrègue was the engineer behind it.
In 1913 disaster struck. The Quai Saint-Vincent collapsed. This happened from the Pont de Serin to the Pont de l’Homme de la Roche. The bridge helped to contain the damage. It was compressed and took on a slight zigzag shape. Its roller supports on the left bank derailed. It was never repaired. This explains its gradual deterioration.
Now for a tale of bravery. During World War II, almost all bridges were destroyed by German forces. However, this bridge and the Passerelle Saint-Vincent survived. Each bridge was mined with bombs. One soldier guarded the Pont de l’Homme de la Roche. He had a machine gun. His task was to detonate the explosives. This was to happen when the last army truck retreated. Then he had to jump into the truck.
It was raining that day. Passersby kept slipping. They disturbed the planks protecting the detonating cords. The soldier diligently replaced them. Lieutenant Joseph Laval of the Combat resistance group was nearby. He pretended to retie his shoelaces. He subtly tugged the cords. This prevented the detonation. This act aided the 1st Free French Division. It allowed them to enter Lyon and liberate the city.
By 1986, the bridge had become dangerous. The Grand Lyon decided to rebuild it. The old bridge was demolished. A temporary metal footbridge replaced it. La Chaudronnerie Beaujolaise built it in Villefranche-sur-Saône. It arrived by barge. The bridge connected two dead ends. One side led to the Croix-Rousse hill. The other led to Fourvière. The reconstruction was postponed. The temporary footbridge remains in place today.
Gilbert Lamboley was the project manager. He discovered something interesting. Geological studies revealed a large fracture. This fracture separated Fourvière from Croix-Rousse. The Saône flowed through it. This explains the river’s bend. It shifts from north-south to east-north-east. This follows one of the crystalline bedrock fracture system directions.
The Passerelle de l’Homme de la Roche owes its name to a statue. It was erected in 1849. It honors Jean Kleberger. He was known as “the good German.” The footbridge you see today is a metal structure. It is painted pink and has a wooden deck. Its light architecture makes it a special landmark. Despite being intended as a temporary structure, it has stood for over 35 years. It connects Quai Pierre-Scize and Quai Saint-Vincent. Some cyclists even use it.
The Passerelle de l’Homme de la Roche stands as a testament to Lyon’s history. It is a story of engineering, war, and resilience. It is a structure that embodies the spirit of Lyon.