Two parallel structures stand tall. They are the Biatorbágyi railway viaducts. These aren’t just bridges. They are silent witnesses to history. They span the Fűzes-patak valley. Their construction began in 1883. The first viaduct served the Budapest-Kelenföld-Újszász (Komárom) railway line. It had two 40.6-meter-long spans. It was made of welded steel. It boasted a multi-layer lattice structure. A single central pillar supported it. Concrete base walls and natural stone cladding completed the design.
The Biatorbágyi railway viaducts have a fascinating story. Their construction involved a remarkable engineering feat. The second viaduct was built in 1898. This was needed because the railway line was doubled. A second track was laid. This viaduct consisted of two 10-meter spans. It had a pointed arch design. One pier stood on a solid foundation. The other was built on piles. The entire structure was made of Diósgyőr steel. It was a two-support parallel beam lattice structure. It had a lowered track system.
Tragedy struck on September 13 1931. Sylvester Matuska bombed the southern viaduct. A fast train from Budapest to Vienna was passing over. The explosion sent the engine and several carriages plummeting. Twenty-two lives were lost. The repair work was swift. The damage was minor. The viaduct reopened on October 3 1931. The old structure was replaced in 1933. A spare structure from an old valley bridge was used.
Further strengthening was necessary in 1941. Train speeds increased. This was due to the electrification of the railway line. A third parabolic arch was added. This innovative solution improved load-bearing capacity without increasing the cross-section of the lattice bars. It also didn’t require scaffolding. A near-disaster was averted in late 1944. The retreating German army planned to destroy the viaducts. However Lajos Wiesner a courageous officer intervened. He personally prevented the demolition.
The Biatorbágyi railway viaducts were decommissioned in 1975-1977. The railway line was rerouted. The old route had too many sharp curves. The viaducts faced demolition. Luckily funds were secured for renovation. Restoration took place between 1994 and 1995. Today one viaduct is open. It is used as a pedestrian and cycle path. The other remains closed probably for structural reasons. Both structures stand as local heritage monuments. They are a testament to engineering ingenuity and a poignant reminder of a tragic event. They are also an extraordinary viewpoint. A monument on the base commemorates the bombing. The Biatorbágyi railway viaducts are more than just bridges. They are living landmarks.