Across the Saône River stands Pont Alphonse Juin. Its elegant lines are a testament to 1970s engineering. This isn’t just any bridge. It replaced a much older structure. The original Pont du Change dated back to around 1070. It connected Rue Mercière to Place du Change. This was the heart of Lyon’s bustling medieval marketplace. Imagine the merchants and the sounds of commerce. The old bridge however hindered river traffic. It couldn’t handle the demands of modern vehicles. In 1968 demolition crews brought it down.
Pont Alphonse Juin rose in its place. Construction took place between 1971 and 1973. It was built 200 meters downstream. This carefully planned alignment continues Rue Grenette. Architect Gilbert Lamboley designed this bridge. Engineer Merlin oversaw the construction. Pont Alphonse Juin is 131.80 meters long. Its roadway is 14 meters wide with 4-meter sidewalks.
The bridge bears the name of Marshal Alphonse Juin. He was a highly decorated general in the French army. Born in Algeria in 1888 he died in Paris in 1967. He played a pivotal role in the Allied liberation of France. His military skill and leadership earned him the highest honors. He commanded the French Expeditionary Corps in the Italian campaign. His troops’ fighting prowess was crucial in breaking the German Gustav Line. This pivotal moment helped pave the way for the liberation of Rome.
A plaque near Square Maryse Bastié commemorates Juin. It honors the 120,000-strong expeditionary force he led to Italy. Pont Alphonse Juin is more than a passageway. It is a symbol of Lyon’s history and progress. It’s a tribute to a great military leader and a marvel of engineering. As you stand here contemplate the bridge’s past and present. The Saône River flows below a reminder of the city’s long and vibrant past. The bridge itself a bridge between eras.