02/09/2025
Soletanche Bachy France and Balineau contribute to the restoration and reinforcement of the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux
Last February, the consortium led by Soletanche Bachy France (main contractor), and composed of Balineau, Eiffage GC and Aevia, was entrusted with the restoration and reinforcement works on the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux. The project will span 52 months.
A Landmark Structure
The Pont de Pierre, built between 1810 and 1822, is a historical symbol of Bordeaux. With its 16 piers and 487-meter length, it connects both banks of the Garonne River and is used daily by 70,000 people. It carries tram, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, making it a vital part of the city’s infrastructure.
Technical and Organizational Challenges
Integrating the construction site into its urban surroundings while maintaining traffic on the bridge is a major challenge. The works involve the installation of 158 micropiles anchored 42 meters deep into the marl, requiring complex procedures for casing insertion and removal to protect existing structures.
Precise sequencing and phasing are essential to treat the piers in a specific order and perform the necessary preliminary operations. Work on the central platform, normally used by the tram, will take place during three summer operations in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Meanwhile, the bridge will remain open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic throughout the entire duration of the works.
Restoration Work
The contract also includes:
- The installation of prestressed pile rings
- Restoration of the vaulted masonry rooms, which are classified as “historical monuments”
- Placement of scour protection rockfill
- Structural concrete repairs
- Restoration and waterproofing of the deck
This restoration and reinforcement project for the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux marks the final stage in securing the structure, following previous campaigns in 1993, 2002, and the test pier in 2022. Congratulations to all teams involved!
