Millau Viaduct: The World's Tallest Bridge

[@megaprojects9649]

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[@deadracreeperlord]

I remember watching a episode of impossible builds (if I remember correctly that’s the name) on this and that’s actually what lead me to your channel lol. Small world

[@jwenting]

squarespace is ideal if you want to build a disaster.

[@Real_Claudy_Focan]

Now ; Strepy-Thieu boat lift ! The largest in the world !

[@InekoBK]

@Megaprojects Have you considered making a video on Taipei 101?

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Soo, WHY was this video presented under the 'moments from disaster' tag?

[@SovereignwindVODs]

Damn, a megaproject that finished ahead of schedule, in budget and wasn't riddled with problems during and after construction? I didn't think it was possible

[@888johnmac]

lol , i take back everything i've ever said about the French

[@zeljkomatovic24601]

Hey, spoiler alert! Lol

[@toddlerj102]

@@888johnmac steady on there, they got one thing right. I mean come on, lol.

[@seafodder6129]

It wasn't a military project.

[@randoir1863]

the project wasn't in America and wasn't an election reward . IF u know what I mean .

[@abarratt8869]

I used to pop up to Millau whilst they were building this bridge. It was a truly epic sight whilst building it. I caught it once with the longest part of the deck jutting out into thin air over the river, with (unbelievably) a lorry parked on the end of it. A very impressive construction and design feat. And some very highly skilled welders putting the deck together and getting every joint right! The bridge was financed by that much-maligned (at least here in the UK) instrument of public infrastructure, a PFI. There were some very imaginative aspects to the PFI they put in place. 1) There was an official opening date, 2) Any toll collected before the official opening date counted as pure-profit for the company, 3), The company could collect toll after it opened until a] they'd made a pre-agreed amount of profit, or b] 100 years (whichever came first) after which the bridge reverts to public ownership, 4) toll price pre-agreed and cannot be increased by the company. Opening a few months early was a testament to the planning skills of the company, and skills of the government for not being manipulated whilst allowing for a decent incentive. The wind can be truly epic in that part of the world. There's a little airfield just south, and there used to be (maybe still are) chaps who'll take you up in a microlight for a flight over the bridge. You'll find that their English language skills dry up completely if you ask them to fly underneath it! There's been some fairly significant unintended consequences. The local town, Millau (Mee-oh) used to be an unpleasant place, hosting France's biggest summer traffic jam, endless lorries all year round, etc. Now with the bridge open the town has been smartened up, there's some very nice places to eat and stay, and it's become a destination to go in that area, with handy access to the autoroute. The second unintended consequence is the visitor centre for the bridge. Originally this was a Portakabin-type thing, and they were expecting maybe 10,000 people ever might come and see it. They soon had to replace it with a permanent centre / exhibition, and build a special access road so that you can easily go down to the base of the tallest tower and take a photo looking upwards. Ironically, this access road involved building another bridge over the river... All in all, it's done a huge amount for the local area, beyond just giving motorists a quicker journey to the south. There's now a good reason to stop in the town, rather than a bad reason to get stuck there. Nuggets: one of the first members of the public to cross it after it opened was also the first person to kill themselves jumping from it (a tragic case as I recall). You can nearly fit the Eifel Tower underneath the bridge. It's not level or straight (by design). If you stop your car to take a photo, a policeman will be there pretty quickly dishing out a fine. The service / rest area at the northern end has a pretty good place for taking photos of the bridge. There's occasions when they close the bridge and open it up to pedestrians / runners / etc. Sadly the view whilst driving across in a car isn't so great; the (transparent) wind deflectors distort the view. You're better off in a lorry or a coach (or above mentioned microlight). There used to be an ad for McDonalds in a field at the southern end informing you that the nearest one was a very long way away indeed (it's not popular in that part of France).

[@jo-annebotha9609]

Thanks for all this interesting info!

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Thank you for your fascinating and informative addition to this story! I will have to add Milau to my must-see's on my next trip to France. Also, had to laugh at the McDonald's remark. I categorize their "cuisine" as "food you think you want to eat, but really wish you didn't." In other words, like Play-Doh to a kid. ✌️😸

[@topieuze]

It's really funny seeing so much information on my town. And very accurate too! Summers used to be hell before the viaduct.

[@abarratt8869]

@@topieuze Well, it's a famous place now, for a lot of good reasons. I've had plenty of good lunches in Millau in the years since the bridge opened. This really does count as civil engineering at its very best. Afterwards, everything became better for everyone. Given that projects like this have a positive effect on a nation's GDP, everyone in France benefited.

[@cowofthemonth]

Thanks for taking the time to share that

[@Pilski]

Try to imagine the amazing (almost unbelievable) surprise..no, shock...as we came out of a curve to see this magnificent structure appear! Had NO idea it was there. Were driving from Spain to spent a few days at a gite about 45 miles nw of Millau. Next day we were right back there, spending the whole day doing the 'construction' tour and visitor's center below the viaduct. It was all a very enjoyable, educational experience. Drove south on the old road to get a feel of what it was like, but primarily to make the trip once again across the bridge. Well worth the toll!!! Possibly the most understated fact of the viaduct is its' aesthetic appeal; really beautiful from all through the valley. Originally from West Virginia we've traversed the Gauley River Gorge bridge many times; a spectacular project in it's own right! Was built for the same reason as Millau...unclogged mountain roads with a trip reduction time of two hours! Absolutely enjoy every video (a BUNCH) of yours watched. Great content, presentation...and I LOVE your humor! (er...humoUr) Keep up the wonderful work, please!

[@andythebritton]

Had a similar experience. No idea it was there and suddenly, we're driving across it. Magnificent.

[@mho...]

Build ahead of schedule & payed for itself after 3 years?! the world needs more infrastructure projects like this!

[@1966jamesM]

I've been driving down to Perpignan for over 25 years and remember it taking 3 hours to get through Millau. I saw some of the construction of the viaduct in the early 2000's and couldn't wait to use it. Now been across countless times and often stop to just look at it and ask my self "how the hell did they do that?". The visitor's centre is well worth stopping for and the short walk to the viewing point, particularly as the journey is now 2 hours and 55 minutes quicker from Calais!! The A75 south of Clermont-Ferrand has to be in the top drives in the world, truly stunning and for both the natural environment of the Grand Causes as well as the human engineering effort, which I doubt everyone will agree with.

[@peterfielden-weston7560]

My late wife and I spent nearly twenty years travelling that route. Millau, while a stunningly beautiful town, was a nightmare to transverse. We spent years watching the towers stretch across the valley, and, at last knew that next year e would cross via the viaduct. Well the day came, we paid our toll (quite gladly I might add,) and drove onto the bridge. The fog / mist / cloud was so thick we could hardly see thee next tower let alone the "magnificent" views either side. I think it was about two years later that we finally got to see this magficent structure in all its glory, and the views were breathtaking.

[@brett4264]

I think that is the most beautiful bridge in the world. My jaw drops every time I see it. Driving over it is on my bucket list.

[@Iamtheliquor]

Do it! Take my word for it you don’t want to miss it

[@naimezzaytouni8166]

I already take this road u can’t see the scape on the road

[@johugra1]

I would recommend that you approach from the North. You see teasing glimpses of it in the distance. On the bridge the sensation is very special! Wonderful light, wonderful views. Once across on the South side it disappears almost immediately and you are in a whole new world.

[@alexdeadeye6905]

@@johugra1 Yes, each time i come from the north, the highway starts curving downwards and to the right before seeing the viaduc. The road disappears from sight and it appears as if you were going to launch yourself from a cliff into the valley. I shit myself each time.

[@warkey.6490]

I'm from Millau and there are also lot of beautiful river canyons here to visit, you can do para-gliding, bungee jumping or kayak

[@DeziYouRock]

My grandma lives right there and sometimes we go climbing or paragliding on the Larzac plateau and let me tell you, even from afar this things fills up the whole valley, it's huuuge (and quite impressive to drive on also) !

[@CPS2]

Your grandma lives on the bridge?!

[@trespire]

Your grandma paraglides ?

[@wazzer2348]

That is a very beautiful part of France. Have been twice to Millau and found it to be a charming town. Hopefully will get back into that part of the world when the Pandemic is over.

[@warkey.6490]

@@wazzer2348 I leave here, you are welcome 😁👌

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@CPS2 Yep. Her name's Binoche and she relocated from Le Pont-Neuf. 😉😁

[@cr10001]

75 miles north of Millau up the A75 is Garabit Viaduct, a railway arch also built by Eiffel, and the highest arch bridge in the world when it was built. There's an 'aire' (pull-off viewing area) on the A75 that gives a good view of the viaduct. Or for a better view, come off at Exit 31 for Loubaresse (also signposted 'Garabit - Viaduc Eiffel') and take the D909 that crosses under the viaduct to cross the Truyere on a low level bridge that gives a great view up the valley to the bridge. It makes a nice contrast with the modernity of the Millau viaduct.

[@xmj6830]

Once again French engineering proved to be one of the best!

[@Clarkyboy1979]

Having driven over both the Pont-du-Normandie and the Millau Viaduct, I can confirm they are both staggering constructions, though of course the Millau is a huge level up from the Pont. The views are incredible and it's hard to comprehend the sheer scale of it without seeing it in real life. It really is a spectacular feat of engineering.

[@SimonTekConley]

The most impressive fact, it paid itself off in 3 years.

[@jhill4874]

The bridge spanning the mouth of the Columbia river in OR/WA paid for itself in, I believe, less than 5 years. The toll for logging trucks was pretty high, but the time and fuel saved more than made up for the cost. It looked like convoy off logging trucks.

[@stypsii]

I had the privilege of climbing on top of the highest pillar thanks to a friend who worked at Eiffage, it's was memorable. It's been a part of the landscape for many years but I'm still impressed everytime I see it.

[@jbgraham4041]

I've been looking forward to seeing you tackle this Megaproject. There were aspects of the construction that I never knew about before now. Thanks again for the awesome content!

[@pauvelasco06]

one of the best episodes on top gear featured this magnificent megaproject

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:25 - Chapter 1 - Which way to go ? 2:35 - Chapter 2 - Ambitious plans 4:15 - Chapter 3 - The devil in the detail 5:50 - Mid roll ads 7:20 - Chapter 4 - The piers start to grow 8:40 - Chapter 5 - Pylons comes into play 10:50 - Chapter 6 - Heading for the middle 12:35 - Chapter 7 - Using an ancient technique 14:05 - Chapter 8 - The critics are proved wrong

[@Iamtheliquor]

Been over that viaduct several times. Nothing short of a spectacular structure in an outstandingly beautiful part of the world

[@quoniam426]

Eiffage is just a new name for the former Eiffel company+some other companies fusioned with it. You should make a video on the Rion Antirion bridge, the bridge over the Corinth straight that links the Peloponeze peninsula to the West of Greece. There are some technical marvels on this bridge as well and it is also a French design. I went to a conference ten years ago with the engineers who worked on this project, hearing them talking about the solutions to the seismic problems was mindblowing. They already knew they succeeded because by the time of the conference, the bridge sustained an Earthquake bigger than anticipated and everything worked as planned. Jean Pierre Raffarin was at the time considered for his dad jokes everybody liked to laugh at for their ridiculeness. "The road is straight but the slope is high" used to describe the economical crisis gives you an idea. There are some cool pictures of the viaduct immersed in low fog and clouds in the valley. Other critics were given about how a viaduct would tarnish the look of the valley itself. Normal Foster's discreet touch integrated it well into the landscape.

[@jo-annebotha9609]

I am in constant awe of engineers and what they can design and execute; and of the skilled craftsmen that help them. Thank goodness fir such imaginative, daring souls. We revere athletes, actors and singers and take what these clever people do for granted when they are the ones who should be revered.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Absolutely!!! ✌️😎

[@burtdurger847]

Seriously though, building them soooo accurately using GPS is beyond impressive. Just, wow. I love this bridge.

[@PanglossDr]

That shocked me a bit if it is true. There are other more accurate technologies available using lasers like that used to ensure the Channel Tunnels met within 30cms of target.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Well Simon it seems kudos are deserved by all involved. This is one of your best, and most detailed offerings to date. I was fascinated from start to finish. Congratulations. Viva la France!

[@craigevans6156]

Well worth a visit and there’s a visitor centre in the valley underneath the bridge. One of the most beautiful bridges in the world.

[@stevemchadd]

I have been over this bridge twice in both directions and it is spectacular, just as well it is in a straight line because you spend most of the time looking sideways at the amazing views ;)

[@themwuzthedaze]

Wow, how nice to see a highly speculative gigantic construction project turn out to be a raving success rather than a horrible disaster! Thank you, Simon!

[@thedarkonestaint6105]

Wow, what an incredible megaproject. They slayed it

[@bicyclist2]

I've seen a few documentaries about this bridge. This was short and concise. Top Gear UK took three supercars here in a episode. Thank you.

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

That bridge is truly a work of art...magnificent to look at

[@ComaDave]

Drove over the Pont while on holiday in 2012. For somebody more used to the West Gate and Sydney Harbour bridges, it is quite a roller-coaster in comparison. Amazing. Never been to Millau, but the first time I saw a photo of it, I thought it was a Photoshop. One of the most incredible things ever built.

[@timmccarthy872]

Visited this during it's construction in the summer of 2004 and WOW, what a bridge.

[@robertbankhead8661]

My favorite project hands down in the world. Still on my bucket list to experience this viaduct. Simply amazing engineering throughout the project. Thank you for bringing this out!

[@oldschoolman1444]

Probably the coolest bridge in the world!

[@marc0523]

Architecture like this makes me proud to be a human being. I feel like showing it to our ancestors and saying, "See, we did learn from you!"

[@pwnsauce64]

Video suggestion: The high level bridge built in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, it was an incredible megaproject for its time and even now stands as one of the world's great bridges

[@henryneufeld6785]

I've been at the foot of the structure, it's quite impressive to look up at, have you been there?

[@joshuapatrick682]

It really is a marvel of the post modern world, right up there with the ancient wonders of the Mediterranean.

[@abbofun9022]

Been there and made a stop to marvel at this truly fantastic construction, truly amazing.

[@dasfunkyzeit8848]

I’ve driven over the Millau a few times. The approach from the north is best ‘cos you can stop @ the visitor centre and look @ the bridge from the viewing point. If approaching from the south, there’s no warning and all of a sudden the world disappears!! Pont de Normandie is also pretty impressive. Lovely views of Honfleur on the west bank, and the refinery and chemical plants on the east.

[@vladsnape6408]

It is a pleasure to learn about an engineering project which is beautiful, pushes the boundaries of what has been previously done, was constructed on time, and paid for itself in 3 years.

[@MegaSnow121]

Beautiful, breathtaking bridge. I hope I will see it in person some day.

[@XDSDDLord]

I love it when a good plan comes together!

[@deemariedubois4916]

Beautiful bridge. It truly is a work of art. Thanks Simon.

[@medler2110]

Been over a few times, its truly stunning piece of civil engineering, matched by a stunning piece of civil engineering from another era that can be seen from the same Autoroute, the Garabit Viaduct.

[@sebdu12I5w4t]

I'm french I take the bridge once a month it's breath taking Everytime ! I just wander how long it will last and what it will become after .

[@chele-chele]

I travelled to France to see and drive over this marvel shortly after it opened, absolutely beautiful.

[@imansfield]

Ive driven over this bridge many times on the way to Spain. It always takes your breath away as you approach it, but for full effect, you need to take a detour down into Millau and drive directly under. The scale of that thing when you stand underneath is awesome!

[@dawnpalmby5100]

Daaaaang I thought the SkyBridge in Quebec was the most terrifying bridge ever but this is getting my anxiety up

[@theshadowman1398]

In Latvia there is a simple bridge across a river that costed several times more than this one and is crooked. All because of corruption.

[@InteloPL]

Ex-soviet block for you.

[@theshadowman1398]

@@InteloPL Latvia pretends to be massively anti Sovjet

[@InteloPL]

@@theshadowman1398 i know. Yet all of the ex-socialist slav countries seem to have the same issue in that matter.

[@theshadowman1398]

@@InteloPL Latvia isn’t Slavic.

[@heliedecastanet1882]

@@theshadowman1398 InteloPL is obviously a very cultured man (or woman) 😂

[@raistmajere7477]

This was built just a couple years after the Millenium AKA "Wobbly" bridge. Which had to be closed for 2 years because they kind of forgot about resonance x'D

[@PanglossDr]

Yes, that was one of the worst Engineering Fiascos ever.

[@PanglossDr]

@Nicky L I know what it is, I have crossed it. It was pushed as one of London's showpieces for the millennium (wrong year, not the millennium but, that's another story). In the Civil Engineering world it is seen as a humiliation for London.

[@immortalsofar5314]

Hey, Simon, I remember seeing a documentary on the TV back in the '80s where the busiest motorway exit had to be replaced. They built a new one next to the old one, diverted traffic, demolished the old one and then slid half a mile of roadway into its new position overnight ready for rush hour traffic the next day. Low tech, there were tv cameras filming "rulers" to make sure it was linear, giant brakes (which didn't quite work but did their best) and water lubrication. Might make a good video.

[@flightmaster999]

Spectacular work from the engineers involved in the design and construction of this marvel!

[@yutakago1736]

This prove that the French Engineers are better than handling megaproject than the American and British.

[@russbilzing5348]

Spectacular!! This comes from some who regularly makes a spectacle of himself.

[@Skanzool]

That bridge is unbelievable! Not only is it beautiful but it's breathtaking as well. Thanks for posting this video.

[@richardfredericks4069]

Whistler, love your videos, very well researched. Could you do one on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel and it's latest expansion?

[@erinmcdonald7781]

I second that!

[@WarpFactor999]

SIMON! You simply nailed this one! well done good sir! Great video.

[@sailinbob11]

I just love it when critics get a swift kick in the nads. Well done.

[@DownwithEA1]

Damn. That's how you do a mega project. Well done France.

[@ryank5424]

Also just thought I'd add: came across your channel by chance and have not regretted it. Even checked out some of your others and like your work.

[@merlynscave]

I actually drove past this place when only one of the support towers was built, as I live in France. I thought it was really odd and took a photo of this single huge pylon, unfortunately I lost the picture. When I eventually found out what it was it all clicked into place. An incredible achievement and ahead of schedule, which says a lot about how the French companies can work.

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

Very interesting. I saw it several times in various stages of construction and have driven across it a few times. It impresses me every time. There is a visitors center nearby which explains how it was all built... well worth a visit. There is a lot more to see in this area so it is worthwhile spending a few nights it Millau. Nearby is the Cirque de Navacelles, La Couvertroirade and a wooden Russian church which was dismantled in Russia and brought log by log to be rebuilt in France (not easy to find). In addition there is also the lovely Gorges du Tarn, and the Caves du Roquefort (cheese).

[@davidcolin6519]

Been over it several times, it's gorgeous and brilliant and spectacular. Any time we go over it in the daytime, we still stop for a few minutes of marvellous engineering sightseeing.

[@siggy6044]

The Top Gear episode where they take a trip to this bridge is one of my favorites

[@markturner7459]

The best views are before you get to it and not on it....but the view from a boat going under it is fantastic!

[@jonnyharris55]

I used to go down regularly pre viaduct. Nightmare !. Went down a couple of years ago. Absolutely amazing. Well done to all involved

[@adrianpeters2413]

Great report, yes it is incredible, never to be forgotten in life if you go there, note in milau they burnt down the mc.shittles , and this area is beautiful and very very very pure French society, hence the burning down of a mc.shittles , and please do not miss the cevennes which is very near by. An amazing bridge, oh, check out the cost ratio of the toll collect area as to cost of bridge ...... and they still charge to cross .. of course .....

[@PanglossDr]

I heard that at one time about half of traffic on the bridge was people who just wanted to drive across, turn round and go home. So much for tourists not wanting to use it. It is still on my list of places to go. Next opportunity I have I will take whatever detour is needed to drive across it.

[@jimmyyu2184]

Jacque: Dang, Andre, we missed it by 2mm! Andre: Rounding error...

[@devinodonnell]

It's always such a strange concept to me that a toll road would, at some point, pay for itself and cease to be a tolled road, since growing up in Houston, TX, USA we've had a toll road that has still yet to pay for itself, despite being completed almost a decade ago and having functionally paid for itself at this point.

[@vysharra]

That’s the difference between private and public projects. Texas sold off the right to build a bridge to a private company who is still selling access today where France built their own bridge for their citizens and stopped collecting when the bonds were paid.

[@TheJessyChrist]

@@vysharra except it's a private company running the viaduct, and there are still fees to this day (and the prices have gone up)

[@vysharra]

@@TheJessyChrist they were contracted by the government and the bridge reverts to public ownership after the allotted timeframe. It is functionally public with an unusual funding path to pay the private companies who built it

[@TheJessyChrist]

@@vysharra indeed it was contracted by the government, but eiffage still owns the viaduct and collects the fees ( roughly 21 millions a year)

[@richardsawyer5428]

The Severn Crossings connecting Wales to England had their tolls removed several years ago thankfully. Getting to places like the Forest if Dean or the Brecon Beacons is just so much better now.

[@JeremyPickett]

I am in awe of bridges. I'm from the Pacific Northwest, and have been through tons of covered bridges. I've been over the new Tacoma narrows, the old one called Galloping Gurdy. My honeymoon, I crossed the golden gate, used to have to commute the San Mateo, and lived a rocks throw from Dumbarton. I've been to uncountable bridges in the UK, and though I forget it's name, I've been photographed next to the train bridge shown in Harry Potter. (Also been to alnwick, i.e. Hogwarts, three times :D) Wonderful video, and this is on my bucket list.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

The added weight of road surface is an important ballast that keeps the deck held down. Lifting the deck is a huge issue solved by its inverted aerofoil section. This causes wind gusts to increase that downward load. In effected they increase the bridge stability.

[@hectorino9351]

Brilliant presentation. Thank you.

[@brodericki4281]

This was mad such good content, which is par for the course at this stage. Really well done Simon

[@cynthiasimpson931]

There are a lot of regular traffic jams in the world. I live outside of Portland, Oregon, and there are twice-daily traffic jams there. If I have any need to go into Portland (very rare) I take light rail. My husband drives a school bus, and he's told me stories about driving in downtown Portland that he said turned his last remaining hairs white.

[@rjspires]

It's weird seeing footage from 2001 nowadays. It's like when a was kid, seeing footage from the '70's back in the '90's. It looks just as grainy too.

[@pewterhacker]

Yay! Contains the two ingredients of a true megaproject: 1) Gives people vertigo just thinking about it, and 2) Pundits who say it will never make money are proven wrong!

[@gumbycat5226]

That was a super video. Amazing when so many complex things just go well.

[@CyclonusEX]

Been waiting for this one! Great stuff as always!

[@AlexDahlseid2002]

The bridge was one of inspiration behind the St Croix Crossing bridge on Minnesota/Wisconsin which opened in 2017 and did replace the aging 1931 Stillwater Lift Bridge which is now used for non vehicle traffic primary bikes and pedestrians.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

They suggested a bridge from Scotland to Ireland and it was shot down as impossible due to wind on vehicles, but I'm sure they could make it an above-ground tunnel or something. Sadly, in the UK we no longer aim high like this. It would be incredible for Scotland to be connected to Ireland. The jobs constructing it would be fantastic, it would bring tourism and trade that would all boost the economy and it sounds like with a fee it could be paid for by users. I wish the government would look at this video and realise that it pays to be brave as long as you have the right talent involved.

[@TonyHammitt]

Sounds good, but they'd have to name it the Giant's Viaduct :)

[@standard_gauge]

There was a very good economic case for building this. There is no economic case whatsoever for a Scotland Northern Ireland bridge. Just because something could be done is not in itself a reason for doing it

[@irritated888]

Said no government ever.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@@standard_gauge - Spoken like an Englishman that probably lives in the south which is why we need independence and will get it with a decade. The UK exported 40 Billion in goods to Ireland and Ireland exported 30 billion in goods to the UK in 2019. A road-rail bridge connecting would cost an estimated £15-£20bn and would expedite and expand trade and travel between Northern England, Scotland and Ireland. It would open up a tourist route for tourists visiting Ireland (income £6B per annum) to drive or get a train from Dublin and travel into the UK visiting Scotland or travelling down through England rather than flying or skipping the UK on their trip. Scotland would no longer be isolated at the top of Europe but instead connected to Ireland where it can build on trade and relations. It is calculated that replacing the Trident Nuclear weapons system will cost the UK £205 Billion of taxpayer money which Scots do not want in our country and is only here so a first-strike attack would not hit Scotland and not England. I know where I'd prefer my tax money spent and instead of sending our oil money to London to be spent on projects that serve England perhaps it is time we benefitted. Norway are building a £47 Billion coastal highway of bridges and tunnels to connect a nation of 5 million people with each other even though few live in the north. Yet, 6 million Scots and millions of northerners are not worth economically worth connecting with 7 million people on the island of Ireland. It isn't just the economic cost that matters either but how much it would enhance life and opportunities for Scotland to be connected to Ireland. Sorry to waffle but just seen your comment and I feel strongly about this.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@@irritated888 - Well, France built this and the USA put a man on the moon and built the international space station. France put a lot into a space program but the UK does not as we no longer have the spirit to do anything challenging. Norway is building a £47 billion coastal highway for a country of only 5.5 million most of which don't live in the north but they want the connection. The UK wastes £205 billion on Nuclear weapons and billions more fighting foreign wars and playing at being a world power, when those days are gone. We could do this easily if we changed our priorities like Norway and spent our money improving our nation.

[@coloradomountainman8659]

Another stellar job Simon!

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

That was absolutely fascinating. I've seen pictures of that bridge, and it's always been anxiety inducing for me. I would never be comfortable driving on a bridge so high off the ground, especially one so long. That story is amazing tho. Thank you for bringing it to us!

[@alangraham4526]

Excellent I really liked this presentation and accomplishment. May I suggest an expose' on William Brassey who was born just down the road from me in Cheshire. This mans achievements deserve far greater acclaim especially the story of the Barentin railway viaduct in France which truly displays the mettle of the man and his skills. I put him on par with Brunel & Telford in general terms but personally I feel his achievements bettered them but this is probably not fair to any of them!

[@diabeticlifewithtim3145]

It really does go to show that just because it hasn’t been done yet, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do.

[@rogerpenske2411]

Another fantastic video, Simon

[@garry1214]

This was another interesting video of which I have much interest. My oldest son crossed this twice while in France on a college internship.

[@Concussed1.]

Looking at it is absolutely terrifying. Driving over it is not a big deal. Lovely part of the world. You can feel the history there.

[@warkey.6490]

Yeah you are right Millau is beautiful, look at "Gorges du Tarn"

[@vonries]

What truly makes this a mega project or proves that it's not, is because it came in ahead of schedule.

[@leahfairs2392]

I enjoyed this video a lot, thank you.

[@dfry1912]

Excellent video as always, keep up the good work

[@lordsleepyhead]

Huh, I never realized that when I drove on the Millau viaduct during a holiday for the first time in the summer of 2005, it had only been open for half a year. It felt so effortless and seamless like it had been there for years already.

[@andersjjensen]

Wow! Three world firsts in one project! The longest, the tallest and the first French government project to be finished ahead of schedule! I'm thoroughly impressed! I mean, the first two can be solved by good engineering, but the latter can only be solved by getting politicians to stay out of the process, and I have NO idea how they made THAT happen! :P

[@bsadewitz]

Politicians staying out of the process entirely isn't a necessary nor sufficient condition for success. Private industry is just as capable of inefficiency, graft, and corruption as government is--especially when operating with government funding. My guess is that, at least, excellent engineering and project management tend to actually deliver, and, assuming most politicians actually wanted this thing done, everyone was happy. Also, all politicians are not interchangeable. ;-)

[@andersjjensen]

@@bsadewitz You're really fun at parties, aren't you?

[@heliedecastanet1882]

@@andersjjensen As much as you 🙂 You have no idea how funny and original you were… 🙂

[@andersjjensen]

@@heliedecastanet1882 Just to be clear, this wasn't a stab at the French in particular. It was a stab at politicians in general.

[@heliedecastanet1882]

@@andersjjensen Maybe the element that is not clear is "first French…", especially if you wanted to speak about all the governments around the world… 🙂 Thanks for the answer anyway ! Have a good day 🙂

[@on_wheels_80]

Anyone interested in this project should just once drive D809 all the way down to Millau and underneath the viaduct via D992. That way you'll get an impression of the sheer scale of the thing and the time savings it brought. For me, that was more fascinating than actually using the viaduct.

[@voirigaspard727]

Hey I'm French and I am really from Millau, to me it's just a normal viaduct because I saw it since i'am a child. I'm so happy to see this video. And I realized that I just driveon it only once in my life

[@cr10001]

I guess if you live in Millau, you'd almost never use the viaduct because it bypasses your home. So it's not on the route from your house to anywhere.

[@voirigaspard727]

@@cr10001 Yes you're right we just go for the view, and it's really expensive (little more than 10 € for cars)

[@larryscott3982]

I can’t believe I’d not heard of that bridge bridge before. A true MegaProjects

[@crrc4s]

Dude that was an awesome and informative video. Thanks

[@EK14MeV]

Gotta love the Brian Blessed-styled mischievous grin in the video thumbnail.

[@thetreadtrader7565]

I’ve rode a motorcycle across this bridge, just like flying. Great video.

[@justandy333]

I'm pretty well versed on the construction of the Millau Viaduct (I did a University research project on it). But the 1 fact right at the end surprised me. It would pay for itself in roughly 3 years! That's incredible! The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan cost approximately 500 Billion Yen (3.6 Billion US Dollars). It also has a toll but the initial cost of the bridge was so high and couple that with interest paid on the 500 Billion Yen it would never raise enough revenue in toll charges alone to repay the cost of the Bridge. But the fact the Millau Viaduct could pay for itself in 3 years is astonishing!

[@laurenceguillosson679]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it, but on top of it all there were no deadly accidents on the building site, and they were within budget in the end! Vive la France 😄

[@edvin884]

Perfect! Now do Brennerautobahn, or A22 streching from Insbruck, Austria to Bolzano, Italy.