Failure of a corroded pile closed Larivot bridge and divided French Guiana

The Larivot highway bridge is 1225 m long and carries a two-lane road over the Cayenne tidal river in the department of French Guiana. Following the discovery in November 2009 of a failed pile, which raised fears of the collapse of a pier, the bridge was closed to traffic; this virtually cut the department into two parts. Owing to the rapid mobilisation of all participants (the French Ministry of Transport and companies), the bridge was reopened in less than four months. The investigation, temporary strengthening measures and the full remedial work were carried out with full precautions for the safety of users and workers. This paper describes the highlights of this operation and draws lessons for the design and management of similar structures.