LIVE from the Camino Suspension bridge over the Orbe closed

[irrie]

Today we were really looking forward to the walk in the gorge de l’Orbe (stage Jougne to Orbe) on the Via Francigena in Switserland. After the long steep descent from Ballaigues to the river Orbe (over 200 heightmeters) there was a sign at 10 meters from the bridge telling it was closed!!! Why not put that sign at the beginning of the descent in the village? We were very disappointed. It isn’t mentioned in the VF-app. The only thing we could do is to go to Le Day and take there the bus to Orbe.

 

[donalomahony]

Just looking at the translation via Google...

"Temporary diversion. For work reasons, the I'lle footbridge will be closed from Monday June 17 and for an indefinite period; accordingly the river cannot be crossed at this location and we ask you to take the diversion put in place.

With thanks for your understanding. "

I imagine like a lot of the Apps, the developers have to be informed by "someone" of "changes" on the route...

Frustrating though.

 

[Paul-CH]

It really depends on the maps you are using. In the SwitzerlandMobility Map it's marked close. Otherwise it helps to ask the local people in advance. As in the last days we had very bad weather in the southern part of Switzerland. I will start next Monday July 8th at St. Maurice and check the way again, in order not to be surprised. Also in Italy the had landslides.

 

[kmrice]

Thank you, Irrie, for the warning, we will be walking there next fall. Hopefully the bridge will be open.

Paul-CH, thank you for the suggestion of the SwitzerlandMobility Map, a resource I was not aware of. However, when I look at it I do not see anything suggesting the bridge is closed. Has it reopened, or am I missing something? Any advice you can provide on reading this map would be appreciated.

 

[Paul-CH]

Has it reopened, or am I missing something? Any advice you can provide on reading this map would be appreciated.

In order to see the closing you have to go to the settings (3 black lines on top left)
- Hiking in Switzerland need to be clicked (so you see the hiking paths
- Click on the Pedestrian on Passstelle de l'Ile in order to see the message for "Close and diversion"
- At the bottom of the page there is a description "Legend'
Hope this will help you and others

 

[Corned Beef]

Any idea what this closure message means? It's on the section before BSP. And thanks for the suggestion for SwissMobility.

La Niord - Bourg-St-Pierre​

Duration
undetermined
Reason
Stone chipping
Status
validated

 

[Paul-CH]

Any idea what this closure message means? It's on the section before BSP. And thanks for the suggestion for SwissMobility.

Stone chipping translated falling rocks probably from the gray area on the mapoe above. We had a lot of rain and mudslides.
There is no „yellow diversion path“ marked. So better stay away
It seams like you are looking for an alternative route instead the marked path #70 VF

 

[irrie]

The closure just after Mouthier Saint Pierre is not mentioned in the Switzerland mobility app. It had been closed since 2022

 

[Paul-CH]

The closure just after Mouthier Saint Pierre is not mentioned in the Switzerland mobility app. It had been closed since 2022

Correct as you mentioned Switzerland. The map shows something beyond the national border, but only paths in Switzerland are marked with closures. That's why the French and Italian maps exist. These are adapted by these countries.

 

[irrie]

Correct as you mentioned Switzerland. The map shows something beyond the national border, but only paths in Switzerland are marked with closures. That's why the French and Italian maps exist. These are adapted by these countries.

How stupid of me!!!!! Ofcourse you are right.

I am now in the train from Lausanne back to Holland. We will be back early September to continue and will study the Switzerland app carefully.

 

[kmrice]

In order to see the closing you have to go to the settings (3 black lines on top left)
- Hiking in Switzerland need to be clicked (so you see the hiking paths
- Click on the Pedestrian on Passstelle de l'Ile in order to see the message for "Close and diversion"
- At the bottom of the page there is a description "Legend'
Hope this will help you and others

Got it! What a fantastic resource! One more question: among the photos you posted were one of the sign and one showing the closed bridge. Can these be pulled from the map?

Thanks again for the info on this resource; I'm really glad to have it before we do the Swiss portion of the VF this fall.

Karl

 

[VNwalking]

the SwitzerlandMobility Map it's marked

Wow, @Paul-CH , thank you for this link. Fantastic resource. As with trains, Switzerland obviosly does the map job very well.
(May there be the same Swiss efficiency in the World Cup, btw! )

 

[Paul-CH]

One more question: among the photos you posted were one of the sign and one showing the closed bridge. Can these be pulled from the map?

Oh no, you get only a descriptive text block with the reason for the closure, when you press on the sign "Pedestrians prohibited" on the map. If available, a deviation will be marked with orange color on the map.
You can download the SwitzerlandMobility App from Apple-Store or Google-Play for free. But if you wish to download the maps, drawing, recording own tracks you need the Plus Version CHF 30.-
But alternative you may use the swisstopo app.

The photos with the sign and the closed bridge have been posted bei irrie not be myself.

 

[irrie]

Yes, I made the photo’s at the bridge.

 

[kmrice]

Thanks, Paul-CH; the app looks like a great resource.