Perhaps you’ve noticed the bridge’s gentle curve. Lille Langebro is more than just a crossing. It’s a testament to innovative design and engineering.
Lille Langebro, meaning “Little Long Bridge”, gracefully spans Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour. It is a pedestrian and cycle bridge, located near the larger Langebro bridge. Its twisted and curved design sets it apart.
The story of Lille Langebro begins with a design competition. WilkinsonEyre and Urban Agency won the commission in 2015. Their vision included hidden lighting in the handrails. At night, this creates the illusion of a twisted ribbon.
Lille Langebro stretches 160 meters long and 7 meters wide. It’s made of steel. The bridge is a double-swing bridge. This means it can open in the middle to allow boats to pass. Two sections rotate horizontally. They swing open using gravity.
Engineers at Buro Happold faced a unique challenge. They had to design a locking mechanism for the rotating sections. Most bridges use pins. Lille Langebro uses mechanical and hydraulic components. These ensure a secure lock when the bridge is closed.
The handrail is brushed stainless steel. A see-through mesh covers the supports. There are dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians have a 3-meter lane. Cyclists have a 4-meter lane.
Lille Langebro was planned to be completed in autumn 2018. However, an accident during the loading of bridge sections in the Netherlands caused delays. The bridge finally opened on July 1, 2019. A formal inauguration took place on August 14, 2019.
The location of Lille Langebro is historically significant. It sits where the original Langebro stood from 1690 to 1903. The current Langebro is slightly south of that location. It was built in 1954.
Realdania initiated an open competition to name the bridge. They considered its appearance, location, and surrounding area. The winning name was Lille Langebro. It beat out other suggestions like Voldgadebroen and Svingbroen.
Lille Langebro received the RIBA International Awards for Excellence in 2021. It stands as the third dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge in Copenhagen Harbour. The other bridges are Inderhavnsbroen and Bryggebroen.
Take a moment to appreciate the sleek design. Notice how the bridge seems to float effortlessly over the water. Lille Langebro offers a convenient and beautiful way to cross the Inner Harbour. It connects Vester Voldgade near the BLOX building to Langebrogade in Christianshavn. This elegant structure enhances Copenhagen’s urban landscape.