Bergstraßen-Brücke

“A bridge built twice, destroyed once, and raised again.” That’s the short story of the Bergstraßen-Brücke. This bridge, spanning the Datteln-Hamm Canal here in Dortmund, has a history as intriguing as the barges that pass beneath it. The Bergstraßen-Brücke, originally built in 1912 and 1913, served the community by connecting Gahmen and Brechten. Imagine horse-drawn carts and early automobiles rumbling across its surface. This initial structure, sadly, met its demise during the tumultuous years of World War II, destroyed in 1945. For fourteen years, a temporary Bailey bridge stood in its place, a symbol of resilience in a recovering nation. Then, in 1960, the Bergstraßen-Brücke was reborn. Using the surviving abutments as a foundation, a new bridge arose. However, the story doesn’t end there. In 1965, the ground beneath shifted due to mining subsidence, requiring the abutments to be raised. The Bergstraßen-Brücke, ever adaptable, was adjusted to accommodate these changes. This resulted in a clearance height of 4.50 meters above the normal water level. The Bergstraßen-Brücke continued to serve the community for decades. However, the ever-increasing demands of modern shipping necessitated further changes. As part of the Datteln-Hamm Canal expansion project, a newer, larger Bergstraßen-Brücke was needed. This new bridge had to allow for the passage of larger vessels, up to 110 meters long as single barges or 185 meters long as pushed convoys. It also needed to provide a clearance height of 5.25 meters above the highest navigable water level. This new Bergstraßen-Brücke, a tied-arch bridge with an orthotropic roadway, now boasts a main span of 75.60 meters and a width of 6.55 meters between the railings. The ownership and maintenance of this vital crossing are shared. While the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSV) owns and maintains the core structure, including the foundations, abutments, superstructure, and railings, the city of Lünen is responsible for the main ramps, road surfaces, and drainage systems. The Bergstraßen-Brücke is more than just steel and concrete. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Dortmund, a city that rebuilds and adapts in the face of adversity.