It has now been ten years since the Poya bridge in Friborg has been part of the daily life of Fribourgers. On Sunday October 12, 2014, the first cars set off on the new structure, which has now become a true emblem of the canton. However, at the time, the project generated much discussion, particularly because of its cost.
An ambitious and contested project
The Poya bridge, designed to ease traffic in the historic center of Fribourg, was a major project from the outset. But its final cost, 210 million francs, caused people to cringe. This figure, which had more than doubled compared to initial estimates, even led to the opening of the canton’s very first parliamentary commission of inquiry.
A festive inauguration day
On Saturday October 11, 2014, 50,000 people had the chance to discover the Poya bridge on foot during the inauguration day. State Councilor Maurice Ropraz, also present, described the work as a “jewel of technology and know-how, very well integrated into the Friborg landscape”.
The festivities continued with a concert by Gustav in the tunnel, followed by DJ Stéphane D, in an atmosphere that lasted until the early hours. The next day, the bridge officially opened to vehicles, marking the start of a new era for traffic in Fribourg.
A significant impact on traffic
The main objective of the bridge was to divert the 25,000 vehicles which circulated daily in front of Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, in order to preserve the historic district of the Bourg. This goal was successfully achieved, in particular thanks to the simultaneous closure of the Zaehringen Bridge on the day of the inauguration.
RadioFr. – Justin Schaller
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