The Briare Canal Bridge, opened for navigation on September 16, 1896, is a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering. It allows boats to cross the Loire River at a height of 11 meters above the water, ensuring that the canal remains functional regardless of the river's fluctuating levels. The bridge spans 662 meters and is made up of 15 sections, each 40 meters long, supported by 14 stone piers built into the riverbed. Construction began in 1890 and was completed in 1894, under the direction of engineer Léonce-Abel Mazoyer. The Eiffel company was responsible for the bridge’s foundations and the masonry work, while the Daydé et Pillé company constructed the metal framework. According to Voies Navigables de France, the metal parts were built from 1891 to 1893, and the project was finalized in 1895 with the installation of a small electric plant to power the bridge's lighting. This made the Briare Canal Bridge one of the first in France to have electric lighting, a significant technological achievement at the time. The bridge was added to the list of historical monuments in France by decree on May 12, 1976, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. It features 72 lampposts that were equipped with electric lighting as early as 1895, a rare and advanced feature for that period. The structure connects the towns of Briare and Saint-Firmin-sur-Loire on opposite banks of the Loiret River. The Briare Canal Bridge continues to serve its original purpose of allowing the lateral canal to the Loire to pass over the river. By elevating the canal above the river’s surface, the bridge ensures that navigation is not disrupted by changes in water levels or seasonal flooding. This design has allowed the canal to remain in use for over a century, demonstrating the enduring value of the bridge's engineering.