Ruhr viaduct, Railway bridge in Witten, Germany
The Ruhr Viaduct is a railway bridge that spans the Ruhr River valley using a series of supporting arches. The structure crosses the valley in a single stretch and displays a distinctive engineering design typical of early 20th-century industrial railways.
Construction took place during the height of industrial expansion in the Ruhr region and the bridge opened in 1926. It became a key part of the railway network that connected factories and mining operations across the area.
The structure reflects the importance of rail transport in shaping the industrial life of the Ruhr region. Visitors can experience how this crossing connected communities and factories that once drove the area's economy.
The bridge can be viewed from several vantage points in the valley below, with the best views from ground level looking up at its full span. Keep in mind that trains still use this route regularly, so approaching the structure requires care and respect for active rail operations.
The area surrounding the bridge was used as part of a secret network of underground factories during World War II where weapons manufacturing continued despite bombing. This hidden chapter of industrial history remains largely invisible today but shaped the landscape and left traces for those who know where to look.
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