Pont Notre-Dame
in Paris
Built 1910-1914
A fine masonry and steel and cast iron bridge linking the quai de Gesvres on the Right Bank with the quai de la Corse on the Île de la Cité. The 60m span steel arch is flanked by two masonry arches.
Engineer: Jean Résal.
Steelwork by Daydé.
This is one of a number of impressive Parisian bridges having long-span, low-rise arches made of iron or steel. Efforts were made to made to hide the structural details behind ornamental facades. The Pont Notre Dame has highly detailed ornamentation, but it is tastefully done and not carried to excess, unlike the case with the Pont Alexandre III. Note, for example, the restrained styling of the cladding on the outer face of the arch ribs (photo 3).
All the decorative work is beautifully executed. Photo 4 hints at the degree of accuracy required from the foundry to avoid unsightly joints. It also hints at the fact that a rather brittle grade of cast iron is needed to obtain the required sharpness of detail. Photo 8 shows the high standard of workmanship of the railings, made of wrought iron and iron and bronze castings. Photos 9-11 show the high standard of stonemasons' work, and also the touches of whimsy from the architect.