As part of the Grand Débat initiated by Nantes Métropole, a commitment was made to enhance the crossing capacity over the Loire River at the Anne de Bretagne Bridge. This led to the development of a visionary project: a new, wider bridge designed to accommodate all modes of transport—including new tram lines, cycle paths, vehicular traffic, and pedestrian walkways.
The design-build consortium led by GTM Ouest proposed the construction of a 35-meter-wide bridge adjacent to the existing structure. Rather than demolishing the current prestressed concrete bridge, it will be lowered and leveled to integrate seamlessly with the new addition.
As bridge engineer for the new crossing, sbp collaborated with Dietmar Feichtinger Architects to create a structure that harmonizes with the existing bridge and the surrounding Nantes landscape. The design addresses numerous site-specific challenges, including tramway integration, seismic considerations, and the placement of piers within the Loire.
The new bridge features a composite structure in the tram and road sections, while the pedestrian areas retain only the steel framework to ensure visual transparency toward the river. The finely crafted steel elements will be transported by barge and installed using a precise and demanding process.
Once completed, the transformed Anne de Bretagne Bridge will become the widest bridge in Europe, offering a smooth and serene urban connection between the historic city center and the Île de Nantes.
