Built in 1913 at the heart of the French department of Haute Corrèze, the Rochers
Noirs viaduct is a masterpiece of engineering. Suspended at 80 m above a deep canyon, the structure is reinforced by a Gisclard-type system of intertwined cables, which in the
past allowed small trams to cross. Classified as a Historic Monument in 2000, it was closed for almost 20 years before being restored thanks to an extensive renovation project. The project, carried out by setec with architects RL&A, aimed to restore the viaduct to its original glory while adapting it to modern requirements.
It was a major challenge, involving compliance with heritage restrictions, difficult access and tight deadlines. «What made this project stand out was the need to mobilise very specific skills, while ensuring perfect synchronisation between the different teams,» explains Mathieu Cardin, Director of the setec diadès South-West agency. «We preserved as much of the original materials as possible, working with specialised craftsmen to ensure that the
authenticity of the structure was preserved,» says Etienne Combescure, Project Director at setec tpi. The renovated structure was officially opened on schedule during the French Heritage Days in 2024.