Since 2017, the Haute-Loire department has been considering replacing the current Bas-en-Basset bridge over the Loire. A reinforced concrete bridge inaugurated in 1932 and which today shows its limits after 90 years of good and faithful service to cross the river. “We are reaching the end of life of this facility despite regular and careful maintenance. The concrete becomes porous and the structure is attacked”, explain the two departmental councilors of the canton of Bas-en-Basset Blandine Proriol and Guy Jolivet, also mayor of the city. Not to mention that the structure, due to its size, complicates the movement of heavy vehicles. In fact, two trucks cannot cross each other on the roadway of the bridge, which is too narrow. Truck drivers are well aware of this and often stop to let another heavy vehicle pass. And if two trucks inadvertently become engaged, one of them will inevitably end up with two wheels on the curb.
