Have you considered how a stream’s name ended up on a bridge? That’s the Bäkebücke. This bridge carries the Bäkestraße over the Teltow Canal. It stands in Berlin-Lichterfelde. The Bäkebücke has quite a story. It opened on April 14 1960. The bridge you see now is a riveted steel structure. It features four parallel truss girders. These support its 34.8-meter span and 13-meter width.
Now let’s dive into the Bäkebücke’s past. The first bridge here was named Oskar-Lange-Brücke. It was built in 1907. Oskar Lange was a deputy head in Lichterfelde. He was also a Berlin city councilor. Sadly the Oskar-Lange-Brücke was destroyed in World War II. The current Bäkebücke got its name from the Bäkefließ stream. Most of that stream is now part of the Teltow Canal. Only two small remnants of the Bäkefließ remain. The rest became part of the canal during construction in 1906.
The Bäkebücke plays a vital role. It carries traffic along Bäkestraße. It also allows boats to pass underneath on the Teltow Canal. It connects communities and facilitates transportation. The canal itself has an interesting history. Its construction required many bridges. It runs for about 38 kilometers. It links the Havel and Dahme waterways.
Imagine the Bäkefließ long ago. It meandered through the landscape. Then came the Teltow Canal project. This project reshaped the waterways. Most of the Bäkefließ was swallowed up. Yet its name lives on. It lives on thanks to the Bäkebücke. The Bäkefließ name is a reminder of the area’s natural history.
Consider the engineering of the Bäkebücke. It had to be strong enough to carry heavy traffic. It had to be high enough for boats to pass underneath. The riveted steel construction shows the craftsmanship of its time. It was a vital part of rebuilding after World War II. The Bäkebücke has historical significance and practical purpose. It is also an important part of Berlin’s infrastructure.
Today as you stand on the Bäkebücke. Take a moment to appreciate its story. Think of the stream that gave it its name. Remember the bridge that stood here before. The Bäkebücke is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol of Berlin’s history and resilience. It is a testament to the city’s ability to rebuild and adapt.