Has the Lock Bridge in Paris Been Removed?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’ve ever visited Paris, you may have heard of the famous “Lock Bridge” or “Love Lock Bridge”. This bridge, also known as Pont des Arts, was a popular destination for couples to visit and symbolically lock their love together. However, in recent years there has been confusion over whether the Lock Bridge in Paris has been removed or not.

What is the Lock Bridge?

The Lock Bridge was a pedestrian bridge that spanned across the Seine River in Paris. It became famous for its tradition of couples attaching padlocks to its railing and throwing the key into the river below. The idea behind this ritual was that it symbolized locking their love together forever.

Why was the Lock Bridge taken down?

In 2015, the city of Paris decided to remove all of the locks from the bridge due to concerns over its weight and safety. At its peak, it was estimated that there were over 700,000 locks on the bridge weighing approximately 45 tons. The weight of these locks caused damage to the structure of the bridge and posed a safety risk to pedestrians walking across it.

What happened after the Lock Bridge was taken down?

After removing all of the locks from Pont des Arts, temporary panels were put up in their place until a new solution could be found. In 2016, a new design for the bridge was unveiled which included glass panels instead of railings. This allowed visitors to still enjoy views of the river while also preventing any additional weight from being added to the structure.

Are there other Love Lock Bridges in Paris?

Yes, there are several other bridges in Paris where couples can continue with this tradition including Pont de l’Archevêché and Pont Neuf. However, city officials have discouraged this practice and have even gone so far as to remove locks from these bridges as well.

Conclusion

In summary, the Lock Bridge in Paris was taken down in 2015 due to safety concerns over the weight of the locks. It has since been replaced with a new design featuring glass panels. While there are still other bridges in Paris where couples can participate in this tradition, it is discouraged by city officials.