We can say that the inauguration of the largest bridge in France was quite stormy! If the quality of the concrete and steel work is not called into question, it is rather a human and social problem. From the opening in october 1975the bridge toll displays exorbitant rates, 10 times more than on a highway.
The bridge company, a consortium of Shell, Suez and Vinci companies, is reaping record profits in addition to a large subsidy from the Loire Atlantique general council. For almost 20 years, all users were taken hostage. After a river trial, the department became the owner in 1994the passage becomes free. 30,000 vehicles use it every day the Saint Nazaire bridge and once a year, for a morning, the cars are replaced by runners, during Les Foulées du pont which welcomes more than 1300 participants.
Let us remember for all practical purposes that the total length of the Saint Nazaire bridge is 3 kilometers and 356 meters. Which makes it the longest bridge in France.