The Lyon Metropolis manages a heritage of several thousand engineering structures, including nearly 700 bridges, footbridges, and underpasses. To ensure the safety of daily travel, regular maintenance is essential. Three urgent security and renovation operations on heavily degraded old structures were adopted during the Metropolis Council on September 28.
The Pont de l’Université, opened in 1903 and a major crossing between the 2nd and 7th arrondissements of Lyon, handles approximately 22,000 vehicles and 3,000 cyclists daily. An inspection in late 2025 revealed a rapid acceleration of degradation, classifying the structure as 3U (severely altered). Without prompt intervention, its load-bearing capacity could be limited to vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. A complete restoration is underway, including the metal structure, support bearings, concrete and masonry, waterproofing, roadway, sidewalks, anti-corrosion protection, and restoration of heritage elements (pylons, coats of arms, bronze roosters). The operation's cost is €15 million.
Built in 1957, the Pont de Vernaison connects Solaize and Vernaison and sees about 13,500 vehicles per day. Also classified as 3U and under close surveillance since 2019, the bridge has been prohibited for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes since 2020. While conservation measures have slowed degradation, a high risk of unexpected closure is identified from 2028. A major rehabilitation is planned, including its anchors, cables, and deck, as well as the creation of an overhang for pedestrians and cyclists. After completion, it will support up to 44 tonnes. Works are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, maintaining light vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The total cost is €29 million.
The suspension bridge of Couzon-au-Mont-d’Or, built in 1840 and partially rebuilt in 1945, is an emblematic structure of the Val de Saône. It currently handles about 3,300 vehicles per day and also plays a role for cycling and public transport connections. Its condition requires major structural intervention: replacement of suspension cables and hangers, reconstruction of anchor blocks, reinforcement of the central pier, and a new deck. New technical findings revealed that the suspension cables had a smaller cross-section than historically used in calculations and that the soil under the central pier was insufficiently compacted. These new constraints explain the cost re-evaluation to €14 million, up from an initial estimate of 5 million euros. The renovation will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by creating two 2.25-meter overhangs on each side for active modes. Due to the scale of the work, the bridge will be closed to car traffic for approximately 15 months and to active modes for about 9 months, with shuttle services implemented. Special attention will be paid to the marsh ragwort, a protected plant species present on the central pier island.
