Garonne River Flooding Closes Key Route in Southwestern France
The Garonne River’s rising waters have forced the closure of a vital transportation link between Langoiran and Portets in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The closure, enacted by the departmental road center, began Monday, February 2nd, 2026 and is expected to remain in effect until at least Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, as the region is under an orange alert for flooding issued by Météo France.
The confluence of factors contributing to the closure – a high Garonne River level, substantial rainfall, and strong tidal coefficients – has rendered the bridge at Langoiran impassable. This isn’t the first time the bridge has been affected by high water; similar closures occurred in 2022 due to construction and in 2024 because of exceptionally high tides.
Bridge Closed to All Traffic Until Wednesday
The 1881-built bridge is currently prohibited to both motorists, and pedestrians. The municipality of Portets confirmed the closure on Facebook, stating that the decision was made by the departmental road center and will remain in effect until at least Wednesday morning.
According to officials at the Gironde town hall, contacted by Le Républicain Sud-Gironde, the road is submerged twice daily during high tide. “This leaves branches and other debris on the road. This proves then dirty and can be dangerous,” a spokesperson explained, leading to the decision to close the bridge continuously.
Detour Route Available
Motorists are advised to utilize a detour via the bridge connecting Podensac and Béguey, located several kilometers to the south. While adding to travel time, this route provides a viable alternative for those needing to cross the Garonne.
The flooding isn’t limited to the Gironde department. Further south and east, in Lot-et-Garonne, the Garonne River has also overflowed its banks, disrupting transportation in areas around Marmande and Tonneins. Reports indicate roads have been cut off as the river breached its usual confines.
The current situation highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to increasingly frequent and intense weather events. While the closure of the Langoiran bridge is a temporary inconvenience, it underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change and the need for resilient infrastructure planning in flood-prone regions. The orange alert from Météo France signals a continued risk of rising water levels, and residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and heed the advice of local authorities.
The decision to close the bridge prioritizes public safety, preventing potential accidents caused by submerged roadways and debris. The detour, while adding distance to journeys, ensures that essential travel can continue. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely, and the bridge will be reopened as soon as water levels recede and the roadway is deemed safe for passage. The ongoing flooding serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather.
The impact of the closure extends beyond individual commuters. Local businesses reliant on traffic between Langoiran and Portets may experience disruptions, and emergency services must adjust their routes to account for the detour. The situation is a testament to the interconnectedness of communities and the ripple effects of infrastructure failures during natural disasters.
