The winning design of the 2009 competition integrates seamlessly into Lyon’s tradition of arch bridge construction. The bridge connects the Cité Internationale congress and event center with the adjacent St. Claire district, serving as a welcoming gateway for visitors arriving in Lyon by high-speed train (TGV).
The pedestrian bridge spans the Rhône River in a shallow-arched curve. The structural system consists of thick-walled steel tubes forming a three-girder arrangement, which is fixed at the riverbanks. The steel structure is topped with a lightweight wooden deck, providing a comfortable walking surface. By minimizing structural elements, maximum transparency is achieved, allowing unobstructed views of the river and surroundings.
The bridge offers two crossing options: The upper girder directly connects the two banks and is five meters wide, divided into a cycle path and a pedestrian walkway. The lower girder follows the arch and links the river promenades on both sides. At the midpoint of the bridge, the two paths converge into an eight-meter-wide plaza that invites lingering and transforms the bridge into a vibrant public space.
