Barrier models
The Dufour barriers
Stroll along the Rhône and look at the barriers along the quays… some color variations, implementation details but one thing persists: their composition. A diamond inserted into a rectangle and a Saint Andrew’s cross are the elements that define the Dufour barriers. This model owes its name to the General who is credited with its first implementation in Geneva.
Although common, these barriers date from the 1830s. They have been used in the city for almost 200 years, even if their profile has been modified several times, according to the evolution of materials and legal requirements.
State barriers
The Lavandières footbridge, which connects the promenade of the same name to the Quai des Forces-Motrices, was built in 1974. It is equipped, like many structures at that time, of guardrail called State type.
Today, the Bergues bridge and the Mont-Blanc bridge are still equipped with these models, traces of an era which aimed to consider bridges and footbridges as simple crossing works.
Evolution of the design of Dufour barriers
When the Geneva Industrial Services (SIG) undertake work on the Lavandières footbridge, which they own, a collaboration is set up with the City services to replace these guardrails.
However, the evolution of standards no longer allows the original Dufour barriers, nor even the secure version from the 1980s, to meet legal requirements. The mesh between the diamond and the St. Andrew’s cross must be densified. The spacing between the rail, the horizontal part of the barrier, and the ground must be reduced.
THE model had to be requalified to be installed on along the Promenade des Lavandières. Its profile has been adapted to the regulations in force, while highlighting the original lines of force that we owe to General Dufour.
The next time you walk there, you will not fail to notice its details that shape our landscape and span history.
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