Listen closely, because the story of the Bahnhofsbrücke is more than just steel and concrete. This bridge carries tales of a growing city. The Bahnhofsbrücke stands just 600 meters west of Lübeck’s old town. It carries Fackenburger Allee over the main train station’s tracks.
Once, this area was flat ground. Fackenburger Allee had no need for bridges. But as Lübeck grew, so did its railway. The new main station in the early 1900s changed everything. Tracks needed to be lower than the surrounding land. This created a divide, cutting off Fackenburger Allee.
Peter Rehder, a city planning director, proposed a solution: a bridge. His plans presented to the city council in 1901 included this vital link. Construction began in 1905. By November, pedestrians could cross the new Bahnhofsbrücke. A month later, it opened to all traffic. The Bahnhofsbrücke was finally completed in 1907. It got fancy iron railings and decorative stone pillars.
For over five decades, the Bahnhofsbrücke served Lübeck well. But by the late 1950s, traffic had exploded. The bridge needed an upgrade. In 1959, work began to widen the bridge. Tram tracks were removed because trams were no longer in use. The structure was strengthened. The road surface was widened to 23 meters. By March 1960, the Bahnhofsbrücke had four lanes for cars. The road was now paved with asphalt. This version of the bridge stood until its eventual demolition.
As the 21st century began, the Bahnhofsbrücke showed its age. It couldn’t handle the increased traffic. A 2012 count showed 40,000 vehicles and 1,200 cyclists crossed it daily. Inspections revealed severe rust and concrete damage. By 2011, the bridge was declared unsafe.
Repairing the old bridge was considered. But the damage was too extensive. A complete replacement was the only option. The new Bahnhofsbrücke’s construction started in March 2021. The eastern lanes were demolished first. Traffic was diverted to the remaining lanes. The first half of the new bridge opened in November 2022. The old eastern half was then demolished.
The new eastern half was completed. The western half was shifted seven meters. Both halves were joined on May 18, 2024. The new six-span bridge is 71.7 meters long and 31 meters wide. It has three lanes in each direction. There are also wider sidewalks and bike paths. The Bahnhofsbrücke officially reopened on October 13, 2024.
So next time you cross the Bahnhofsbrücke, remember its long journey. From a simple crossing to a vital transportation hub, it reflects Lübeck’s growth and progress.