(Photo by Daniel Jamme)

After a little over three years of construction, the world’s largest multispan, cable-stayed bridge was due to open Dec. 14, a few weeks ahead of schedule. With its 2,460-meter-long deck stayed by 154 cables from seven pylons, the $430-million viaduct crosses the wide Tarn valley at Millau in southern France (ENR 3/15 p. 24). The top of the highest pylon towers 325 m over the valley floor. Divisions of Paris-based Eiffage S.A., financed, designed and built the bridge, and will operate it for over 70 years. Conceived by structural designer Michel Virlogeux, the bridge’s final profile was determined by London-based architect Foster & Partners.