Millau viaduct raises millions

Millau viaduct: pic. Vincent, public domain

The spectacular viaduct at Millau opened in 2004 having cost 394 million euros is today giving its owner, Eiffage, profits of 24 million euros per annum. At 3.5 kilometres it represents over 6 million per kilometre, making it the most profitable stretch of peage in France.
Current toll is 8.60 euros (rising to 10.80 in summer) for light vehicles.
The bridge was designed in partnership with British architect Norman Foster and is the tallest bridge in the world at 343 metres. Its original conception was to eradicate the tremendous traffic jams experienced especially in the summer when the holiday makers from the north headed for the riviera and Mediterranean resorts.