The Pont de Bir-Hakeim, one of Paris’ most famous bridges, has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns that arose during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The bridge, which is located near the Eiffel Tower and has appeared in numerous films including the latest ‘Mission: Impossible’ installment, became unstable under the weight of large crowds gathered to watch the marathon.
Witnesses reported seeing heavy bolts falling from the bridge’s supports, prompting immediate action from city officials. Engineers observed that the elevated walkway of the two-tiered structure began to wobble under the weight of spectators. A city official stated that Paris narrowly avoided a disaster, and the closure was deemed necessary to prevent any potential accidents.
Jeremy Redler, the Conservative mayor of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, noted that the city had anticipated the high number of tourists but was still caught off guard by the extent of the strain on infrastructure. The bridge is now undergoing repairs to ensure its stability.
The closure comes on the heels of a successful Olympic Games, which saw thousands of visitors flock to Paris. However, despite the success of the event, concerns remain about France’s overall safety for travelers. A recent survey by HelloSafe ranked France 80th globally in terms of safety for tourists, and 34th in Europe. The study highlighted the ongoing terrorist threat as a significant factor in the country’s low ranking.
However, the survey also noted that Europe remains the safest continent for travelers, with 30 of the world’s 50 safest countries located in Europe, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. As the Pont de Bir-Hakeim undergoes repairs, Paris continues to navigate the challenges of hosting large-scale events while maintaining the safety and security of both residents and visitors.
