On the outskirts of the City of Albi—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a striking new pedestrian and bicycle bridge has been delicately integrated into a 19th-century railway viaduct. The new addition bridges the gap between heritage buildings and modern urban design by gently inserting a pedestrian and cyclist walkway into the existing stone structure. Rather than overshadow the original stone viaduct, the contemporary addition traces its curves, running parallel to the rail tracks in a minimalist, elegant form. Made from weathered steel and timber, the structure appears to float alongside the arches, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape and canal network below.
The project strikes a sensitive balance between preservation and progress – and forms part of a growing movement in France—and across Europe—to reclaim underused infrastructure for active mobility without compromising the beauty of the tradition and legacy. By prioritising walkability and cycling in both urban and semi-rural contexts, the project fosters more sustainable, human-centred cities.
