“many structures need to be rehabilitated in the department” according to Jean Galand

Ponts de Bonzac in Saint-Denis-de-Pile, du Rouergue in La Réole, du Bois in Izon or Pont du Fleix: this year, several engineering structures were closed by the Gironde after excessive damage. Jean Galand, vice-president of the Department in charge of mobility and mayor of La Lande-de-Fronsac, in Libournais, discusses this phenomenon.

Is there a real deterioration of the bridges in Gironde?

We know that, like France, many bridges need to be rehabilitated, and Gironde is no exception to this phenomenon. Most of them are works that are of a certain age. Generally speaking, they have a theoretical average lifespan of around 100 years. When you see the Rouergue bridge in La Réole [fermé jusqu’à la fin de l’hiver, NDLR] built in 1920, we are reaching maturity. Every year, all bridges are subject to continuous monitoring. In recent years, we have strengthened the Department's inspection service with four new engineers.

So are we likely to see an increase in the number of bridges closed in the years to come?

It seems obvious that the more we move forward in time, the more we will have to rehabilitate. But what is reassuring is that many of these bridges are quite small. 77% of them are less than 10 meters, and half less than 5 meters. This means that we can create prefabricated structures that can be positioned in place of the old bridge. Thus, the work is carried out within very short deadlines. For example, for that of Langrane, which reopened on Wednesday November 27, it only took seven months. The other problem with these restorations is that we have to go through the hoops of environmental regulations, which lengthen the work time.

Is there a real fear of seeing deterioration accelerated by climate change?

Undeniably, degradation is accelerating and climate change is accentuating it. These bridges were built with materials and methods different from today, and especially for traffic which is not that of today. For that of Réole, the steels were not the same as today, and are more sensitive to temperature variations, corrosion and rust. When it's below 5°C, we have to close it. People and drivers also need to understand that tonnage restrictions must be respected, which does not always happen, and causes premature wear.

Will the departmental budget allocated to bridges remain the same despite the possible cuts requested by the State from communities?

Already, there will be no cuts, and it is even the opposite. Although security has a cost, it is priceless for the Department. You should know that every day, 800,000 Girondins take the departmental roads and can use one of the 1,770 bridges that cross them. It is therefore important to ensure maintenance and user safety. We have also increased the budget allocated to maintenance and investment. We thus went from 1.8 million euros in 2022 to 2.4 million euros in 2024. In 2025, it will even be 3.5 million euros.