Maxau Rhine Bridge, Road bridge in Karlsruhe district, Germany
The Maxau Rhine Bridge is a steel structure spanning the river between Karlsruhe and Wörth, linking two federal states. Its design distributes traffic across multiple lanes and shapes the landscape with its modern profile.
The first Rhine crossing at this location opened in 1840 using a pontoon structure built from converted ship hulls. The site later became home to subsequent structures that continuously improved regional connectivity.
The bridge draws its name from an estate on the eastern bank, reflecting the connection between two regions historically separated by the river. This link shapes how people today view cross-border mobility and regional ties.
The crossing can be fully saturated during peak hours, so traveling outside rush times is more efficient. Pedestrians and cyclists also use the location but should expect heavy vehicle traffic throughout the day.
An earlier version of the structure won a gold medal in 1865 at an international exposition for its combination of rail and road traffic. This made the construction a model for other river crossings across Europe.
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