We don't think of Paris as a place where one of the most beautiful bridges could be neglected. Providence maybe, not Paris, after all we are in the "where charm meets neglect" state and proud of it (see Milkcan Industries for terrific T shirt). It is a bridge I have been meaning to see, so I dragged my family from the charm of central Paris to the neglected east side - part of the Seine that doesn't get visited (tour boats turn around several miles prior to this bridge - so you need a couple subway rides and a long walk in the rain).
It is always raining at this bridge too.
This 8" x 36" Steel Bar splice (each side) with 386 weld passes is a thing of beauty - it is the catenary that carries the entire span… ignore the graffiti and mold.
Yes you have to walk up and down, nothing is flat, but when you find out is the shape of a moment diagram, who wouldn't want to!
And you get to choose too! Positive or negative!
At the moment diagram inflection point, remember, do not bother the homeless man in this tent! He is not nice! And do not move the swivel chair, it is his!!!
Just get to other side as quick as you can, carry pepper spray, than sit back and then admire this
It is really a special bridge, an engineering marvel, a lightweight/efficient and stunning structural solution (a long-span lenticular - mirrored catenaries - on rotational supports). Still ranks in my top ten pedestrian bridges in the world. When I think of the other 9 I will let you know.
Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir – Mitterrand Library to Bercy https://feichtingerarchitects.com/les-projets/045_simone-de-beauvoir/