Didn’t Paul Cezanne include the Traverse du Viaduc in some of his paintings? It is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It is a piece of history. The Traverse du Viaduc whispers tales of innovation. It echoes with the sounds of a changing world.
Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century. Aix needed a better connection to Marseille. The existing train line didn’t cut it. A new direct route was essential. It meant overcoming a significant obstacle. The Arc valley stood in the way.
The solution was the Traverse du Viaduc de l’Arc de Meyran. Construction began in 1874. It was a massive undertaking for its time. Think about the challenges. No modern machinery existed. Workers relied on muscle power and ingenuity.
Stone was brought from a quarry in Meyrargues. It traveled by train to Aix. Then a temporary rail line moved it to the construction site. The sand came from the banks of the Arc River.
The Traverse du Viaduc is an impressive structure. It stretches about 550 meters long. It has 38 arches. Some arches soar to 23 meters high. The foundations go down 10 to 11 meters.
In 1875 workers digging found an engraved stone. Some thought it was from an ancient bridge. It turned out to be a tombstone.
By July 1876 the Traverse du Viaduc neared completion. A banquet celebrated the placement of the final arch stone. The railway company honored the workers.
The Aix-Marseille line opened in October 1877. The Traverse du Viaduc was a vital part. It enabled direct train travel. The old station near Rotonde was replaced. The new station was further south.
The Traverse du Viaduc even appears in Cezanne’s paintings. He featured it in landscapes of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
The Traverse du Viaduc suffered damage in August 1944. German soldiers dynamited two arches. American soldiers devised a temporary fix. They used a rail gun chassis to bridge the gap. Permanent repairs followed.
You can still see traces of the repairs today. Look closely at the fourth and fifth arches from the south. The Traverse du Viaduc has stood for over a century. It has seen wars and floods. It has carried countless trains. The Traverse du Viaduc has survived it all. It is a testament to solid construction.
The A8 autoroute now passes beneath the viaduct. It represents a change in transportation. The Traverse du Viaduc has adapted to the times. It is a reminder of the past. It functions in the present.
As you pass by the Traverse du Viaduc take a moment. Appreciate its history and its endurance. It’s a reminder of human ingenuity. The Traverse du Viaduc is a proud part of Marseille. It is a landmark that connects us to the past.