They are the first Albigensians to take the footbridge

“Why are all the catfish waiting down there,” jokes a man leaning over the railing of the footbridge. This morning, there were several dozen of them wandering around the structure. Originally, there were to be around fifty of them, from several sports clubs in the city to take part in tests (see box). But, with word of mouth, there were in fact twice as many who wanted to be the first to walk on this long-awaited footbridge. The project was launched in 2013 under Philippe Bonnecarrère.

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There was no longer any question of this long wait this morning. In the space of a few minutes, the work won the hearts of the Albigensians. We don't count the photos, the selfies (with the mayor in particular), the videos that were taken before the tests.

“Actually, it’s leaning quite a bit,” notes one woman. And yes, the apron waves. The architects of Ney and Partners aimed to “bring the footbridge into dialogue with the viaduct” on which it is attached, the undulations echoing the arches of the bridge. Finally, it helps break the monotony of the 180 m course. Another feeling that people didn't expect: the vibrations. More or less important, depending on the places and the mass of people traveling. Don't panic, for a metal work, this is normal. Passers-by were also amazed by its width: from 3.5 to 7 m. And the size of the anchors (it’s always reassuring!)

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Of course, what everyone was waiting for was the view. From the footbridge, the one on the Pont Vieux is magnificent. Especially since its restoration. Through the arches, the bell tower of Sainte-Cécile is revealed. In fact, it is the Palais de la Berbie, facing the Madeleine, which is the least visible. The only small downside (there has to be one) is the guardrail, which for short people, comes right in front of the view. Too bad, but safety comes first, as several people have pointed out. On the other hand, from the work, an impression of a green city is offered to the eyes. And many of them were surprised this morning.

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For those who are afraid of heights, no worries. “Frankly, I didn't feel anything. We don't have this impression of height except when we are at the edge and looking down”, underlines a man subject to the problem.

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Most of the participants were already planning, seeing themselves using it to go walking or running in Pratgraussals. “We’ll save time,” said a woman. “I will come back with my grandchildren when it is open,” said a man. All these positive comments could only bring a smile to the mayor, Stéphanie Guiraud Chaumeil, who did not shy away from her pleasure after so many vicissitudes. “When we see people smile, project themselves, make it their own…, it gives meaning to public action. We have done our job,” she assured, recalling that “this bridge responds to a need”. It is also integrated into the Grand Albigensian cycle plan. Steve Jackson, the elected official in charge of cycling, who was already planning on his two-wheeler in the middle of the work, concluded: “This city deserved something beautiful”.

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