The construction of the bridge on a vast stretch of alluvial ground offering no natural anchorage points and subject to strong winds capable of reaching speeds of 180 kph was a genuine challenge. Associating several of France’s construction industry majors, the construction project lasted a total of seven years and involved roughly 1,000 people.

When the bridge was opened in 1995, the 856-metre central span raised the world record for such a span by 80%. For Bouygues, this flagship project provided the opportunity to patent a construction method developed in-house, which proved itself capable of pushing a 700-metre deck up a stepped 6% incline.

Today, the celebrated Pont de Normandie still keeps the road traffic flowing between the two banks of the River Seine without interfering with river traffic heading towards the thriving port of Rouen.  And it still impresses foreign tourists visiting Normandy.