Brücke Feuriger Hengst

“A fiery steed? Over a small river?” you might ask. Let’s talk about the Brücke Feuriger Hengst. This bridge, whose name translates to “Bridge of the Fiery Stallion”, isn’t named for some mythical creature. Its story begins with a now-vanished open-air tavern. It stood near the popular riding and show jumping tournaments held at the Agra. Locals nicknamed the tavern “Zum feurigen Hengst” or “The Fiery Stallion”. The name stuck, eventually transferring to this bridge. The Brücke Feuriger Hengst isn’t just a name, it’s a link to Markkleeberg’s past. It stands where the Kleine Pleiße River meets a road leading to the Agra fairgrounds. The original Brücke Feuriger Hengst was a problem. Decades of wear and tear left it dilapidated. It choked the flow of the Kleine Pleiße. This river is essential for managing water levels in the nearby Markkleeberger and Störmthaler lakes. So, in May 2020, a project began to replace the old bridge. The project wasn’t without its challenges. Construction crews had to divert utilities and conduct unexploded ordnance surveys. The surveys, thankfully, turned up nothing. But they added time and expense to the project. By June 2021, the old bridge was gone. In its place stood a new reinforced concrete frame structure. The new Brücke Feuriger Hengst spans 13.57 meters. It features two watertight sheet pile cofferdams supporting the bridge deck and caps. New utility lines were laid. The roadway and railings completed the structure. The Kleine Pleiße was temporarily diverted through a channel within the construction site. The new Brücke Feuriger Hengst officially opened on July 7, 2021. It represents a blend of history and practicality. It carries the legacy of a bygone era. It serves a crucial role in the region’s water management. So next time you cross the Brücke Feuriger Hengst, remember its fiery namesake and the community’s history it carries.