Magdeburg Water Bridge
| Longest span | 106 m |
|---|---|
| Total length | 918 m (690 m over land and 228 m over water) |
| Width | 34 m |
| Water depth | 4.25 m |
| Clearance below | 90.00 m x 6.25 m |
| Begin date | 1997 |
| Completion date | 2003 |
| Coordinates | 52°13′52″N 11°42′07″E / 52.23116389°N 11.70190278°ECoordinates: 52°13′52″N 11°42′07″E / 52.23116389°N 11.70190278°E |
| Constructed with about 68,000 cubic meters of concrete and 24,000 metric tons of steel | |
The Magdeburg Water Bridge (German: Kanalbrücke Magdeburg) is a navigable aqueduct in Germany, opened in October 2003 and part of the Magdeburg crossing of waterways. It connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittellandkanal, crossing over the Elbe River. It is notable for being the longest navigable aqueduct in the world, with a total length of 918 metres (3,012 ft).[1]
The Elbe–Havel Canal and Mittelland Canal canals had previously met near Magdeburg but on opposite sides of the Elbe, which was at a significantly lower elevation than the two canals. Ships moving between the two had to make a 12-kilometre (7.5 mi) detour, descending from the Mittelland Canal through the Rothensee boat lift into the Elbe, then sailing downstream on the river, before ascending to the Elbe-Havel Canal through Niegripp lock. Low water levels in the Elbe often prevented fully loaded canal barges from making this crossing, requiring time-consuming off-loading of cargo.[2]
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History [edit]
Planning for the canal crossing dates back to at least the beginning of the 20th century. Work on the Mittellandkanal began in 1905, while work on the overall project continued until 1942, when all construction was brought to a halt because of World War II. After the war, the government of East Germany, did not resume work on the project because east-west trade was no longer important in the context of the Cold War. After the reunification of Germany, the reestablishment of major water transport routes made the water bridge a priority again. Work started in 1997, with construction taking six years and costing €501 million. The water bridge now connects Berlin’s inland harbour network with the ports along the Rhine River. The aqueduct's tough structure incorporates 24,000 tonnes of steel and 68,000 cubic meters of concrete.[1][2]
Pop Culture [edit]
The bridge is featured in the motion picture Hanna (film), at approximately 75 minutes into the film.
Locks [edit]
In addition to the bridge, a double lock was constructed to allow vessels to descend from the level of the bridge and Mittelland Canal to that of the Elbe-Havel Canal.
References [edit]
- ^ a b "Magdeburg Canal Bridge". Structurae. Nicolas Janberg ICS. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
- ^ a b "Europe's Largest Water Bridge Opens". dw-world.de. Deutsche Welle. 2003-10-10. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
Bibliography [edit]
- Karl Jüngel, Das Wasserstraßenkreuz bei Magdeburg, Undated, ca. 2003
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Wasserstraßenkreuz Magdeburg |
