The Millau Viaduct has a record 78-year concession

The concession for the Millau Viaduct runs for an exceptionally long duration of 78 years to ensure the balance of the operation and spread out depreciation costs. An early termination mechanism nevertheless allows the State to stop the contract without compensation subject to a 24-month notice period. This buyout clause applies from January 1, 2045 if the cumulative turnover exceeds three hundred and seventy-five million euros.