Four masks watch over us. These masks are remnants of the predecessor of the Messebrücke. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the train tracks. The Messebrücke connects the Altes Messegelände with the Völkerschlachtdenkmal.
Leipzig’s Zentrum-Südost district is where we find ourselves. It lies southeast of the inner city. The Weisse Elster, Pleisse, Parthe and Luppe rivers flow through Leipzig.
The original Messebrücke was built in 1912. It became a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists. It connected the Alte Messe and Wilhelm-Külz-Park. Sadly, time took its toll. The bridge’s condition worsened. A cost-effective renovation proved impossible. Even the historic preservation authorities agreed to its demolition. The old Messebrücke was torn down in 2016.
But from the ashes rose a new vision. A design competition in 2013 chose the plans of DNR Daab Nordheim Reutler Architekten. Construction of the new Messebrücke started in April 2019. It finished in May 2021.
The new Messebrücke is a three-field prestressed concrete structure. It spans 63.44 meters. Its width of 18.13 meters is symbolic. It commemorates the Battle of the Nations in 1813. The bridge is designed without joints or bearings. This minimizes maintenance.
Oberbürgermeister Burkhard Jung said it best. After four years, the Alte Messe and Wilhelm-Külz-Park were connected again. Cyclists and pedestrians once again had a direct route. He added that the bridge’s design subtly nods to the city’s history. The dimensions themselves are a historical reference.
Look at the V-shaped bridge piers. They are arranged at an angle. This allows for a slender superstructure. The railing is an architecturally designed steel structure. It forms a tensioned arch. An LED light strip illuminates the Messebrücke.
Approaching the Messebrücke, note the redesigned areas. The forecourt to Wilhelm-Külz-Park has been improved. The six-row red beech avenue has been replanted. The ramps to Messevorplatz have been restored.
The Messebrücke we see today cost around 10.7 million euros. The Free State of Saxony provided almost 7.1 million euros in funding. This new bridge ensures a vital link for years to come. It blends functionality with historical awareness. The Messebrücke stands as a testament to Leipzig’s blend of history and progress.