Beneath our feet, the Mollardgasse stretches. Above us, the Brücke über die Mollardgasse stands as a testament to Vienna’s innovative spirit. This bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a piece of history.
The Brücke über die Mollardgasse forms part of the Gürtellinie. This line was a key section of the Wiener Stadtbahn. The Stadtbahn was opened in 1898. Later, from 1925, the Wiener Elektrische Stadtbahn used it.
Otto Wagner designed this structure in 1894 and 1895. He served as artistic advisor to the k.k. Eisenbahnministerium. The ministry commissioned him. Wagner insisted on horizontal lines for all Stadtbahn buildings.
Look closely at the bridge’s design. It features parallel beams. These beams have a clear span of 30.65 meters. They stand 3.80 meters high. The distance between the beam axes measures 9.2 meters. Albert Milde & Co. built the steel structure. They were renowned for their bridge construction.
The Brücke über die Mollardgasse sits between the two directional lanes of the Gürtel. To the west is the Sechshauser Gürtel. It was named in 1894. To the east lies the Gumpendorfer Gürtel. This section received its name in 1965. The bridge spans the extension of Mollardgasse. It connects to Ullmannstraße. This connects the 6th and 15th districts.
From 1970 to 1989, streetcar line 8 passed beneath this bridge. It was a unique intersection of old and new transit systems. Imagine the rumble of the streetcar below and the Stadtbahn above.
In the 1980s, planners considered demolishing the bridge. They wanted to integrate the Gürtellinie into the U-Bahn network. The U6 line would connect to the Wientallinie. The Brücke über die Zeile stood in the way.
Arguments for demolition included steep ramp requirements and tight curve radii. Concerns about the bridge’s structural integrity for modern U-Bahn trains were also raised. The Bundesdenkmalamt advocated for preservation. Eventually, the decision was made to preserve the Wientalbrücke.
The Längenfeldgasse station was shifted slightly west. This was to accommodate the bridge. The steeper incline was accepted. In 2007 and 2008, the bridge underwent another renovation.
The Brücke über die Mollardgasse remains a functional part of Vienna’s transportation network. It is a reminder of Otto Wagner’s vision. It shows Vienna’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
As you cross or pass beneath this bridge, remember its story. Think of the engineers and workers who built it. Picture the trains that have traveled across it. This bridge is more than steel and stone. It is a living piece of Vienna’s history.