Didn’t know that a bridge could be named after a chess master? The Steinitzsteg is such a bridge. It is a testament to Vienna’s unique blend of practicality and appreciation for intellectual achievement. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Danube. It’s a tribute to Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official world chess champion.
The Steinitzsteg connects the Brigittenau and Floridsdorf districts. Before its construction, pedestrians had to use narrow walkways on the Nordbrücke. There was no dedicated cycle path across the Danube in this area.
The bridge’s story began in 1994. It was initially built as a temporary measure. The Nordbrücke needed major repairs. From January to December 1996, the Steinitzsteg served as a two-lane detour for car traffic. This allowed the Nordbrücke to undergo essential reconstruction. Imagine the Steinitzsteg bustling with cars. It was a temporary solution but a vital one.
The construction of the Steinitzsteg also involved an innovative assembly technique. The bridge’s central section was assembled on the Donauinsel. It was then pushed across the Danube without a launching nose. This method was so groundbreaking that a delegation from Taiwan came to Vienna to observe it.
Once the Nordbrücke was renovated in 1997, the Steinitzsteg was transformed. It became a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The temporary road connections were removed. The bridge was prepared for its new role.
The Steinitzsteg stretches 875 meters. It has a width of 9 meters. The architect Johann Georg Gsteu designed the bridge. It features a combination of concrete and steel structures.
The Steinitzsteg crosses several key areas. It begins by crossing the Handelskai and the Donauuferbahn railway line with a reinforced concrete bridge. It then runs parallel to the Nordbrücke. It crosses the Danube with a 411-meter-long steel box girder. The bridge also crosses the Donauinsel with another concrete bridge. This section includes an exit to the island’s paths. The Neue Donau and the Hubertusdamm are crossed using another steel box girder. This section has a 700-meter radius curve. The point farthest from the Nordbrücke is about 80 meters away.
The Steinitzsteg wasn’t always known by that name. Before 2009, it was called the Nordsteg. In 2009, it was renamed to honor Wilhelm Steinitz. A plaque was installed on the bridge in the summer of 2010. This was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of his death.
Interestingly, the Steinitzsteg can be converted back to a temporary detour route for cars. This would be used if the Nordbrücke requires further extensive work. The federal government covered 30% of the bridge’s construction costs. This was for its use as a detour, excluding the cost of the road network.
So, as you cross the Steinitzsteg, remember its dual purpose. It serves as a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists. It also stands as a tribute to a chess legend. It can also revert to a temporary traffic bridge if needed. The Steinitzsteg is a functional structure and a monument to Viennese ingenuity and respect for intellectual achievement.