During World War II did you know that the Preindlsteg almost disappeared?
The Preindlsteg is a bridge in Vienna. It crosses the Wienfluss river. It also crosses the U4 underground line. This is near the Ober St Veit station. The bridge is an extension of Preindlgasse in Vienna’s 13th district. It was built in 1910. This was during the construction of the Second High-Level Water Supply. A double pipe system carries water under the bridge deck.
The Preindlsteg played a crucial role in the final days of World War II. The SS planned to blow up several bridges as they retreated. The Preindlsteg was one of them. Blowing it up would have flooded the Wien valley. This would have cut off the water supply to large parts of Vienna. Luckily Josef Smetana worked at a nearby waterworks depot. He learned about the SS plans. He negotiated with the local SS commander. He managed to delay the demolition. Then he contacted the waterworks management. Their intervention ultimately stopped the bridge from being destroyed. Twenty years later the city council thanked Josef Smetana for his bravery.
The Preindlsteg stands as a testament to courage. It’s a reminder of the importance of quick thinking. It also shows the value of collaboration during a time of crisis. This unassuming bridge in Vienna has a dramatic history. It’s a story of heroism and averted disaster. Next time you cross the Preindlsteg remember Josef Smetana. Remember his actions saved Vienna from a terrible fate.