Bahnhofsbrücke Eberswalde

Bahnhofsbrücke Eberswalde, also known as the Railway Bridge, is a vital and iconic structure in the heart of Eberswalde, Brandenburg, Germany. This bridge, though not architecturally or technically extraordinary, holds a special place in the hearts of the local population and plays a significant role in the city's landscape and traffic flow.

A Symbol of Eberswalde

For the residents of Eberswalde, Bahnhofsbrücke is more than just a bridge; it is a symbol of their city. Despite its utilitarian design as a riveted double lattice arch bridge, it has been an integral part of the urban identity. The bridge's prominence is such that it has even been featured on the Barni-Talern, a local currency used in the region. Its significance is further highlighted by the fact that it is the only intersection-free crossing over the Berlin-Szczecin railway line in the district town of Eberswalde.

The Historical Evolution

The story of Bahnhofsbrücke dates back to 1842 when Eberswalde was connected to the railway network, just seven years after the first German railway line between Nuremberg and Fürth. Initially, the railway station was situated relatively far from the town center, a decision influenced by the town's leaders. However, as the importance of the railway grew, the town began to expand westward towards the station.

In 1867, the first wooden bridge was constructed over the railway tracks to facilitate this expansion. The increasing development of the Westend district necessitated the construction of a more robust structure, leading to the erection of the Bahnhofsbrücke in 1908, replacing an earlier wooden bridge built in 1904. The bridge saw the operation of an electric tram from 1910 to 1940, following a brief stint with trolleybuses in 1901.

Surviving the Test of Time

Throughout its history, Bahnhofsbrücke has witnessed several significant events. During World War II, the bridge sustained only minor damage, a testament to its sturdy construction. However, by the mid-1950s, extensive repairs were necessary due to corrosion that had compromised large parts of the structure. The refurbishment included replacing the old corrugated iron roadway with a new concrete deck and widening the pedestrian walkway.

In the 1980s, the electrification of the railway line required the bridge to be raised, a project that would have necessitated closing the F 167 road for over six months. To avoid the resulting traffic congestion, a new bridge was constructed alongside the existing one. This new structure, made of precast BT 700 beams, was complemented by the construction of the Eberswalde bus station. Once the new bridge was operational, the old lattice bridge was lifted, and a section was replaced with a BT-700 superstructure.

Demolition and Reconstruction

On October 4, 2004, the demolition of the old Bahnhofsbrücke began, and by January 21, 2005, the bridge was completely dismantled. The new bridge's construction involved innovative techniques, including the use of steel-concrete composite elements. These elements, although not entirely new, were relatively uncommon and offered a lightweight yet highly load-bearing solution. Manufactured in Niesky and assembled in Vilshofen, these components were transported to Eberswalde and installed in April 2005.

The new bridge, completed on October 4, 2006, was inaugurated by Brandenburg’s Secretary of Infrastructure, Reinhold Dellmann. This modern structure, a three-span steel composite bridge with a total length of 95.5 meters and a usable width of 23.2 meters, includes pedestrian and bicycle paths, tactile guidance strips for the visually impaired, street lighting, and overhead lines for trolleybuses. It spans ten tracks of the Deutsche Bahn, ensuring a smooth flow of east-west traffic and eliminating a major bottleneck.

A Modern Marvel

Today, Bahnhofsbrücke Eberswalde stands as a testament to modern engineering and the city’s resilience and adaptability. It not only facilitates the daily commute of countless residents and visitors but also serves as a reminder of Eberswalde’s rich history and continuous growth. Whether you are a local or a traveler passing through, crossing the Bahnhofsbrücke is an experience that connects you to the vibrant past and dynamic present of this charming German town.

So, next time you find yourself in Eberswalde, take a moment to appreciate the Bahnhofsbrücke – a bridge that, in its unassuming way, tells the story of a community bound by progress and tradition.