Could you imagine Leipzig without connections? The Antonienbrücken are two bridges that play a vital role here. They are key to the Antonienstraße which links Leipzig’s inner districts with the western Grünau district.
These bridges aren’t just concrete and steel. The Antonienbrücken have a history that reflects Leipzig’s growth. The original bridges built from 1968 to 1970 became essential for Grünau’s development which started in 1976.
Back then the eastern Antonienbrücke spanned 14 tracks of the former Saxon railway. The western bridge crossed 16 tracks of the Prussian railway section. These tracks belonged to the industrial railway station of Plagwitz.
By the early 21st century the original Antonienbrücken were showing their age. They needed replacing. The good thing was that the industrial railway station had been abandoned. Many tracks were removed. This allowed for a shorter bridge design. During the Antonienbrücken reconstruction from 2013 to 2016 traffic flowed. A temporary dam and bridge were built north of the Antonienstraße. This ensured both road and tram traffic continued.
The new Antonienbrücken opened on December 8 2016 after three years of work. The project cost 15.5 million euros. Now the western bridge is 33 meters long. It has a clearance of 5.7 meters above the rails. It only spans four tracks. The eastern bridge measures 21.7 meters. Its clearance is 4.6 meters above the road. It crosses a pedestrian and bicycle path instead of a loading area.
The area around the Antonienbrücken has changed a lot. The former industrial railway station has transformed into a 1100-meter-long green space. North of the bridges you will find one hectare of urban forest. South of the Antonienbrücken nature is reclaiming the land. The high presence of protected sand lizards here encourages natural succession on 5.6 hectares.
Since 2017 the Antonienbrücken have become a canvas for graffiti artists. The city provides legal “Walls of Fame” for artists to display their talents.
The Antonienbrücken are more than just crossings. They represent Leipzig’s past, present and future. They are a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and grow. As you stand here think about the many connections that these bridges facilitate. Think about the people who cross them every day. They are a vital artery in Leipzig’s urban landscape. They carry people and goods and art.