For the third consecutive year and until October 27, 2024, the Saint-Pierre bridge is entirely reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and a certain category of vehicles. A temporary rehabilitation but welcome in this period of intense heat.
Summer break for cars
After two summer experiments validated by local residents, the Saint-Pierre bridge, located in the heart of Toulouse, becomes pedestrian again for a third consecutive year. Thus, from Monday June 3 to Sunday October 27, 2024, vehicle traffic will be completely interrupted, with the exception of that of emergency and rescue vehicles and bicycles.
In 2023, more than 4,000 pedestrians used the bridge every weekday, more than 5,000 every weekend day and some 3 000 cyclists crossed this 2,000 m2 long plot of land every day.
More freshness and color
To make the most of this historic monument of the Pink City, the bridge will be equipped with furniture, planted and embellished, the idea being to bring good humor and freshness to the people of Toulouse. To bring this color and freshness, a fresco will be painted on the ground, starting June 4 by the artist Valérie du Chéné, and two 100 m2 shade structures will be installed at the end of June, beginning of July. Once the work is completed, the benches, chairs, tables and planters will be installed by the Toulouse city hall services.
Last summer, the colored areas displayed temperatures 7°C lower than those recorded on the black asphalt. While the cooler shaded areas allowed a temperature drop of up to 11°C compared to the fully sunny areas.
A bridge that changes over time
In addition to this exceptional development which will last four months, the bridge which overhangs the Garonne has recently been given a facelift since only one lane of car traffic has been maintained in the direction Saint-Cyprien → city center. A new development that aims to guarantee greater safety for passers-by, walkers and cyclists, who are numerous in this Toulouse area.
Whether you are on foot or by bike, take the opportunity to take the Saint-Pierre bridge, and why not, stop there for a sunbath, in the cool and calm.