Across the Karlbergskanalen lies Ekelundsbron. A concrete arch gracefully spanning the water. This unassuming bridge holds a fascinating history. It wasn’t always called Ekelundsbron. For a time it bore the name Karlbergsbron. This is not the same Karlbergsbron you might know. The one on Essingeleden opened much later in the 1970s. Our Ekelundsbron has a longer quieter story.
Before the current bridge stood a humble wooden structure. This crossed a narrow often clogged waterway. In 1864 the Karlbergskanalen was created. The old wooden bridge was replaced by a swing bridge. This was a marvel of engineering for its time. It measured 34.5 meters long and 5.5 meters wide. This steel swing bridge served the community well. It opened and closed to allow boats to pass.
Then in 1956 a new bridge was built. A concrete structure 12 meters wide. It was built to support traffic to and from Stadshagen. This was a rapidly expanding area. The bridge design was soon tested. The growing traffic of the planned Huvudstaledens soon overwhelmed it. So in 1969 the bridge was expanded. They doubled its width to 24 meters. This ensured a smoother flow. This is the bridge we see today.
The name Ekelundsbron itself is quite telling. It’s named after a small farm called Ekelund. This farm existed in the area before the bridge even existed. The name translates roughly to ‘oak grove’. It seems quite fitting. The area around Ekelundsbron is known for its green spaces. There are plenty of trees nearby. Many still remember the shanty town of Eklundstorpet. This existed here around 1880. The area transformed over time.
Today Ekelundsbron quietly links Kungsholmen and Solna. It connects Stadshagen to Karlbergs Slotts sida. It carries thousands of people daily. But they rarely consider the history beneath their feet. They pass over a bridge with many lives. Each one has added to its story. Ekelundsbron a simple bridge with a rich past. A testament to the ever changing landscape of Stockholm.