Clermont. This weakened viaduct: traffic turned upside down, cars banned

Work on the Saint-Jacques viaduct in Clermont-Ferrand will continue throughout the summer of 2024, during the school holidays.

“Investigations have revealed advanced structural disorders due to a high level of chloride in the concrete, which weakens the viaduct,” explains the Clermont metropolis.

This project is taking place in different phases, until November 2024.

Traffic changed in up and down directions

Here is the impact of the works on vehicle traffic (excluding trams and pedestrians):

• Downward closure from July 1 to July 14
• Closure in the upward direction from July 15 to August 4
• Total closure from August 5 to 21

Total nighttime closures including tram and pedestrians:

• July 8, 22 and 29
• August 5, 12 and 19
• September 2, 9 and 16
• October 7, 14 and 28
• November 4, 18

From the corrosion

These major works will strengthen the structure of the work and ensure its sustainability. The pillars and cornices of the viaduct are made of concrete coated around a steel structure.

However, concrete is regularly polluted by chlorides (from the salt used during episodes of ice in winter). These could reach and destroy the protective layer of the steel and trigger corrosion. In the event of corrosion, the steels swell and crack the concrete, seriously weakening the structure of the work.

Further work will be carried out to resurface the sidewalks and guardrails, create a road water drainage system and treat cracks under the deck.

Parking

For safety reasons during the construction site, parking near the viaduct will be temporarily modified:

• The parking lot under the viaduct will be completely closed from March 26 to July 2024.
• Along the Raymond-Poincaré course, parking will only be possible on the right side of the traffic lane for the duration of the work.

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