Viaduc d'Austerlitz

The Viaduc d'Austerlitz spans the Seine with two massive, parabolic steel arches that rise above the rail deck. Because river traffic made it impossible to place any pillars in the water, engineers Louis Biette and Fulgence Bienvenüe designed the bridge as a single, bold leap across the river. Opened in nineteen oh four to carry Paris Métro Line Five, the structure features intricate cast-iron decorations along its steel footings and arches. These details, created by architect Jean-Camille Formigé, include marine motifs like dolphins, seashells, and anchors, alongside the coat of arms of Paris.