Isn’t it remarkable how a single bridge can embody so much history? We are standing before the Pont Butin. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Rhône. It is a testament to Geneva’s past. The Pont Butin’s story begins with a generous donation. David Butin, a wealthy iron merchant, bequeathed one million francs to Geneva. His wish was for a bridge to be built. This bridge should connect Petit-Lancy and Châtelaine. The Grand Council of Geneva accepted this gift in 1913.
However, the story of the Pont Butin is not without its twists. A competition was held to design the bridge. Charles-Edouard Jeanneret now known as Le Corbusier and Robert Maillart even submitted a design. The requirements were strict. Stone had to be used instead of reinforced concrete or iron. Le Corbusier envisioned a grand bridge. It would be eight hundred meters long. It was initially planned for Franco-Swiss trains. But the new station layout removed this need.
Le Corbusier’s design was rejected because it featured three arches. The irony? The Pont Butin was eventually built with three arches! Construction began but faced setbacks. In fact, one of the pillars collapsed. This delayed the project. The Pont Butin was finally completed in 1927. The final cost was over 11 million francs.
The construction also coincided with important changes for the workers. Their wages increased. The workdays became shorter. 190 workers were employed. Sadly, five of them died due to various reasons. Originally, the lower level of the Pont Butin was intended for a railway line. The connection between Cornavin station and La Praille station was never realized. Instead, the viaduct of the Jonction was built.
The Pont Butin has undergone several renovations. In 1970, it was widened. Two additional lanes were added. More work was done in 2000. This included separated bike paths. Concrete blocks were installed in the middle of the bridge. This created a median.
Sadly, the Pont Butin has a dark side. There were 16 suicides from the bridge between 2009 and 2018. In response, a 2.6-meter-high barrier called “Les Roseaux du Rhône” was installed in 2018. The height of this barrier sparked debate. Some prioritized safety. Others were concerned about the view.
Today, the lower level of the Pont Butin has a different purpose. For a long time, Hispano-Suiza used it for firing tests. Now, it houses a fluid mechanics laboratory. There has even been a proposal to create a “Science and City” center in this space. Look up and you will see that the Pont Butin spans 268.94 meters. It features five arches each 48 meters high. Each arch is topped with five additional arcades.
If you glance around you may notice some small homes. These are not for people. They are nichoirs. They were installed to encourage local wildlife. These include bats and falcons. The Pont Butin stands as a reminder of Geneva’s history. It is a bridge of innovation. It is a bridge of sorrow. It is a bridge of life.