Seven years of work (1988-1995) were necessary for the construction of the Pont de Normandy, which represented a technological challenge and was to become the largest cable-stayed bridge in one piece. The bridge crosses the Seine's channel more than 164 ft (50 m) high in order to let large tonnages boats pass. Designed to withstand winds up to 186 mph (300 km/h), its 2,808 ft (856 m) deck is supported by 184 stay cables that can be detached separately without stopping traffic. The shortest is 311 ft (95 m), while the longest is 1,509 ft (460 m).