Foot- and Cycle Bridge Gare TGV Laval

With the opening of the new high-speed rail and its various urban planning functions, the ZAC "Laval à Grande Vitesse" from the station area, is making an economic pole of the city and its metropolitan area.

The new pedestrian and cyclist bridge was conceived as an open promenade between the different districts, which, above all, better connects the districts behind the station. It is more than just a crossing of the tracks, but rather becomes an urban link in the city of scale of the district. At the same time, the PEM bridge is comfortable for travelers crossing the tracks under their protective shell…. to the west and offers a wide-open view of the city, completely open in the east. This open eastern side connect effortlessly by ramps under the roof of the bus station. It extends at the same time as a viewing platform over the station square. In addition, it acts as a signpost to the northern districts and the ZAC.

The main structure is made of two steel caissons connected by T-beams every 2,3 meters. The bridge extends 95 meters with a width of 8 meters. It is accessed by 3 elevators, 3 stairs and a ramp. It is also equipped with a solid oak wood floor. The roofing on the western side is made of pine and zinc plates supported by a series of half frames. The west façade consists of a massive wall element that is continued by a 1.80 meter high glazing, behind which a sunshade of wooden slats is installed while the bridge ends in the eastern part with a simple transparent guardrail.

A steel coffered ceiling turns the underside of the bridge into an eye-catching rhythmic façade seen from the platform.

The finesse of the bridge lies in the contrast between the completely open eastern façade, which opens up to the city and thus makes a close connection with it, and the semi-open west facade, which directs to the east.

When choosing the materials and light sources, particular attention was paid to sustainability. The power consumption is optimized not only by long-lasting light sources with a very good performance but also by dimming the lights.