Faidherbe Bridge
Saint-Louis
Faidherbe Bridge is a notable road bridge spanning the Senegal River, linking the island of Saint-Louis to the African mainland. Constructed primarily of metal, the bridge measures approximately 507 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, featuring eight spans with the longest five spanning over 78 meters. Initially, access to Saint-Louis Island was solely by boat until the mid-19th century, when Governor Louis Faidherbe introduced a ferry system. However, increasing traffic soon rendered ferry transport inadequate, prompting the construction of the first floating bridge in 1865, which was named after Faidherbe by decree of Napoleon III. This earlier bridge, comprised of metal pontoons supporting a wooden deck, operated for 32 years before being dismantled due to increased railway traffic and weight restrictions. The current metallic Faidherbe Bridge was inaugurated on July 14, 1897, following a loan secured by Governor Henri de Lamothe for infrastructure improvements. Designed with a rotating section to allow ship passage, it was built by the company Nouguier, Kessler et Cie, chosen over rival firms including Gustave Eiffel's company. The bridge remains a symbol of colonial engineering and continues to serve as a vital link in Saint-Louis, with a significant rehabilitation plan launched in the 2000s to preserve its structure.
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Tip: Visitors should consider exploring the bridge during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and river views. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer favorable lighting for photography. It is advisable to check local conditions and any ongoing maintenance work before visiting. While the bridge is publicly accessible, planning around local events may enhance the experience. No specific ticketing is required, but guided tours of Saint-Louis often include the bridge as a highlight.
Interesting facts
- •The bridge weighs approximately 1,500 tons and spans over 507 meters in length.
- •It features a rotating section that can turn 90 degrees to allow ships to pass beneath.
- •The original floating pontoon bridge was named after Louis Faidherbe by decree of Napoleon III.
- •The construction contract for the current bridge was awarded to Nouguier, Kessler et Cie, beating the company owned by Gustave Eiffel.
- •A major rehabilitation plan costing US$27 million was inaugurated in the 2000s to preserve the bridge.
History
The original Faidherbe Bridge was a floating pontoon bridge opened in 1865 to facilitate access to Saint-Louis Island, replacing boat transport.
It operated for 32 years until dismantled in 1897 due to increased railway traffic and load demands.
The current metallic bridge was constructed following a 1892 loan approved by the French government and inaugurated in 1897.
Built by Nouguier, Kessler et Cie, it featured a rotating section to allow ship passage.
The bridge has undergone significant rehabilitation, including a major renovation in the 2000s to maintain its structural integrity.
Place Guide
Rotating Span1897
A unique engineering feature of the Faidherbe Bridge is its rotating section, designed to turn 90 degrees to allow the passage of ships along the Senegal River without interrupting road traffic.
Metal Structure and Spans1897
The bridge's metal construction consists of eight spans, with the longest five measuring over 78 meters each. This robust design was intended to support increasing traffic demands in the colonial era.
