Belgian engineering studio Ney and Partners has completed a striking sinuous footbridge in Albi, France, that cantilevers from a 19th-century railway viaduct over the River Tarn. The innovative pedestrian and bicycle bridge features a unique design that weaves between the historic viaduct's arches while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The steel footbridge displays an asymmetrical design, with one side running straight while the other meanders in a flowing, wave-like pattern between the 4.7-meter-wide arches of the original brick railway viaduct. At its widest points, the bridge expands to 7.5 meters, creating generous spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to pause and enjoy the scenic river views.
Ney and Partners incorporated strategically placed seating areas that function as balcony-like viewing platforms overlooking the River Tarn. The design concept draws direct inspiration from the geometric properties of the historic viaduct and its seven distinctive arches. "The footbridge geometry is closely related to that of the railway viaduct," explained Matthieu Mallié, partner at Ney and Partners. "A waving pattern has been introduced to the walking line of the footbridge, matching the rhythm of the viaduct's arches."
The engineering team translated the curved forms of the brick structure's elevation into corresponding curved shapes in the bridge's horizontal plan. Each bench is positioned precisely at the mid-span of each railway viaduct arch, providing natural shade and weather protection for users. "The bridge deck unfolds upstream to form balconies above the Tarn, each equipped with a bench located exactly at the mid-span of each arch of the railway viaduct, which provides shade and protection to the passers-by," Mallié continued.
The footbridge serves a crucial transportation function by connecting Albi's town center with neighborhoods across the River Tarn, while simultaneously creating contemplative spaces for residents and visitors to observe their surroundings. The original masonry viaduct, constructed in 1865, continues to serve an active railway line, requiring careful engineering considerations for the new addition.
The attachment system utilizes sophisticated bi-articulated steel brackets that secure the footbridge to the historic viaduct while allowing for thermal expansion movement. "This dual articulation allows the footbridge to expand freely under thermal loads, while ensuring the transmission of forces originating from the footbridge, such as self-weight and pedestrian loads," Mallié explained. This engineering solution ensures the structural integrity of both the new bridge and the 160-year-old viaduct.
Ney and Partners, founded in 1996 in Brussels by civil engineer and architect Laurent Ney, has established a reputation for innovative bridge design. The studio previously constructed the acclaimed Tintagel Castle Bridge in Cornwall, which features two 30-meter cantilevered spans that deliberately don't meet in the middle. That project won the inaugural Beauty Building Awards in 2022, demonstrating the firm's commitment to combining structural engineering excellence with architectural beauty.
The Albi footbridge project represents a thoughtful integration of contemporary infrastructure with historic architecture, showcasing how modern engineering can enhance rather than compete with existing cultural landmarks. The project photography was captured by Vincent Boutin, documenting the successful marriage of 19th-century brick craftsmanship with 21st-century steel engineering.
