The management buildings, located 4 km from the Millau viaduct, on the Causse rouge, are next to the tollgate. They are the nerve centre of the structure. A control tower allows permanent surveillance of the traffic over the bridge. The viaduct is run on state-of-the-art technology. The information supplied by tens of sensors placed in the piers, the deck, the pylons and the stays is also centralised here. For a safe crossing in all weather conditions.
What is the speed limit on the viaduc?
The viaduct has all the characteristics of a normal motorway. The maximum permitted speed is 110 kph for light vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles are subject to the usual traffic restrictions.
What to do in the event of a breakdown?
You must stop on the hard shoulder (BAU), get out of your vehicle on the right and alert the emergency services using one of the emergency telephones. They are placed every 500 m. In addition, cameras and an automatic incident detection system see any problems or objects on the road surface. They send an alarm signal immediately to the PC de supervision.
What happens in the event of an accident?
A rescue plan approved by the Préfecture of the Aveyron is in force on the viaduct. It provides for means of intervention on the construction and their organisation. For users, information signs are in place and the viaduct can be closed if necessary.
Is there a risk of suffering from giddiness while driving on the viaduct?
The 3 m wide hard shoulder is prolonged by a 2.15 m ledge. This in turn is topped by safety barriers and windbreaks. Drivers have a horizontal view of the panorama, but never a view down on to the valley. There is therefore no particular risk of being overcome by giddiness.
