Bridges must be checked, say French senators

The senators, part of a group which issued a study this summer saying at least 25,000 bridges need “particular vigilance”, again raised the alarm after the collapse at Mirepoix, Occita­nie.

They said too many bridges are neglected and the state does not budget enough for them or pay sufficient attention to them.

Investigators at Mirepoix said the excessive weight of a lorry – over 50 tonnes on a bridge signed as having a limit of 19 – was the cause of the accident there, and the Haute-Garonne departmental council said all bridges in the area are already checked.