Restorations
Restorations
The arches of the Plat de l’Air
In order to have a better understanding of the monument, two archaeologists were present for around twenty days during the first phase of restoration.
The result of these works is the fruit of collaboration between architects, archaeologists, the site manager and workers from the firm Comte. The archaeologists from the company Archeodunum were able to get a clearer understanding of how the Romans built the Aqueduct and also ensure that the restoration works did not compromise the visible structural history of the monument. They also identified the location of a previously unknown man-hole giving access to the interior of the channel, from the presence of a single block of opus reticulatum placed in an unusual manner!
The workers were guided by the outcome sought after by the architects. They therefore experimented together with a variety of materials in order to get as near as possible to the originals (fineness and colour of the mortar, the stones in the opus reticulatum and the composition and firing of the bricks) and corrected what they were doing when necessary (size of the stones in the opus reticulatum and the angles).
A diagnostic undertaken by Didier Reppelin Chief Architect for Historic Monuments at Lyon had shown that the monument was in danger due both to the ravages of time and to the poor quality of earlier attempts at restoration.
Six arches restored in 2016
Six more arches were restored in Spring 2016 at the crossing of the avenue de Verdun and the Vieille route, in continuation of the works carried out in 2009/2010.
These six arches displayed some serious structural problems.
The works centred on consolidating the existing structure with new materials and lime mortar, restoration of the bases of the piers to protect them from erosion, and the adding of a patina better to distinguish the restored parts from the original.
Six arches restored in 2018
Following a major campaign of public subscription and sponsorship launched in 2016, which financed the restoration of another six arches, the commune of Chaponost undertook to extend its implication and the efforts made to safeguard the monument.
For 2018-2020, the commune has applied for a government grant in order to engage, with the help of public and private partners; in the further restoration of another 13 arches at a cost of 280,000 Euros before tax:
- In 2018 : restoration of arches 38 to 43
- In 2020 : restoration of arches 44 to 50
As in 2016, the works will centre on consolidating the existing structure with new materials and lime mortar, restoration of the bases of the piers to protect them from erosion, and the adding of a patina better to distinguish the restored parts from the original.
On 16 September 2017, during the European Heritage Days, the commune of Chaponost officially launched a second campaign of seeking sponsorship from individuals and businesses thanks to the signature of a new partnership agreement with the Heritage Foundation.
Beaunant siphon bridge (Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon) in 2019
Major works to be undertaken between 2018 and 2022 aim to reconfigure the Beaunant district with the objective of creating a better urban environment and enhancing the River Yzeron and the siphon bridge.
Widening the bed of the Yzeron, enabling calmer and more fluid road traffic, prioritising more environmentally friendly forms of transport and improving the townscape of the district will go hand in hand with the necessary works to safeguard the siphon bridge.
This will also be enhanced in the context of the works thanks to the creation of a public footpath and relocation of the footbridge to give a better perspective on the Aqueduct.
The commune received a cheque for 97,000 Euros in the context of the sponsorship operation entrusted by the Government to Stéphane Bern.
ENHANCEMENTS
- Restoration of the maintenance shaft in the Bruyère car-park at Mornant in 2004
- Restoration and display of the maintenance shaft at “Les Viollières” in Chaponost in 2006
A reminder that SIARG is able to give grants to works of consolidation undertaken by communes on receipt of paid bills.
ROAD-SIGNS
Each member commune of SIARG has road-signs at entry points indicating that the Gier Roman Aqueduct crosses the commune.
Signposts with arrows have been set up in the communes to point the way to remains of the Aqueduct.