Millau Viaduct bridge opens

TODAY marks the official opening in southern France of the world’s highest road bridge.

President Jacques Chirac will open the Millau Viaduct that spans the River Tarn in the Aveyron across a wide gorge between two plateaux.

Each of its sections spans 350 metres and its columns range in height from 75 metres to 235 metres - higher than the Eiffel Tower - with the masts rising a further 90 metres above the road deck.

In total the bridge is 2.5km in length and drivers will be 270m, nearly 900 feet, above the valley floor.

The structure was designed by Sir Norman Foster to have the minimum impact on the environment and was constructed by Effiage, the company that built the Eiffel Tower.

The bridge will connect Paris to Barcelona via the A75, which previously ended on one side of the valley and forced drivers to make a massive detour through the town of Millau.

Although the town will now be bypassed it is hoped that the dramatic structure will become a popular tourist attraction and help local traders.

The bridge will be open to drivers on Thursday and will cost around €5 to cross it.